#sometimes I just. use my art skills for good huh?

[gaytedlasso]

those yoga classes are really paying off, huh?

[oneatlatime]

Lake Laogai

This Lake had better have Appa in it. With little water wings on.

Skipping the commentary as usual.

The Previously On section suggests that a whole lot of plot threads are about to crash into each other. Strap in folks.

Lefty Sokka!

Beat up Sokka quota fulfilled by his sister's critique of his art skills. It's not like he had paper to practice with at the South Pole.

Sometimes I forget that Aang is 12, then he does something like attempt to rescue his pet from a nefarious city-wide conspiracy of silence with lost cat posters.

"Good tea is its own reward." That means no, he isn't paid enough.

Remember what I said in my last post about Iroh bringing too much attention to himself?

"senior executive assistant manager" someone on the writing team has worked retail I see. Nothing like meaningless promotions with no raise attached! It's right up there with employee pizza party.

I have to pause here and point something out. This whole scene with Iroh? This is an adult fantasy. I don't mean dirty, I mean this whole scene was put in specifically to appeal to the adults who got roped in to watching this kids' show by their children. A rich man walks through the door of your shitty retail job, immediately spots your natural greatness, and offers you a much better paying job with unlimited creative freedom and a better house to go with it? Find me a burnt out retail worker who hasn't conjured up this fantasy five times a shift.

And so the plots come crashing back together. This won't end badly.

"patience really pays off" I checked. He waited literally three seconds.

Shout out to Toph in the background playing catch with a ball she can't see. Casual flex of epic proportions.

Remind me never to go to Lake Laogai. Sounds like it's lousy with Ju Dees.

So the Ju Dees don't know about each other? Because she seems honestly confused. Does Ju Dee think she's the only Ju Dee? What happens if two Ju Dees run into each other in the street?

Posters are illegal but I haven't heard a peep about recarving a bunch of fields into a zoo.

This is maybe the second time Aang's blown up over Appa. Frankly he deserves more blow ups about the whole situation.

I don't think knocking down walls will help find Appa, but I applaud Toph's spirit.

They took out a whole wall and then exit by the door anyways. That's funny.

I really hate this guy, but I have to admit that he may be the first truly competent villain of the series.

'The Jasmine Dragon' also lets anyone with half a brain know that you're Fire Nation. Try the Jasmine Badgermole instead.

Zuko really can't catch a break, huh? He wasn't happy being a tea server, but at least he was resting. But every time he gets five minutes to himself, the main plot reappears to drag him back into the action, whether he wants to or not. Although he hasn't figured out that he doesn't want to be dragged back yet.

Every line of dialogue in this scene is a good point. Zuko's right, Iroh's right. The Zuko's right again, then Iroh's right again.

YES YES YES GET HIS ASS

That was satisfying!

I'm not understanding why Sokka is the voice of reason here. Is he incapable of holding a grudge? He's the one that had all the animosity with Jet to begin with. Shouldn't it be Aang who wants to hear him out?

Toph is a living lie detector now? I can't think of an example off the top of my head, but I'm sure that could have come in handy previously. Any other incredibly useful skills we should know about?

Jet is oddly defensive for someone who claims to know he did wrong.

Ever get so excited that your spine malfunctions?

Sokka just has a metre long map in his pocket. Good friend to have in a pinch.

Avatar first! Katara is rude to an old person!

I'm going to have fun with Toph's new ability.

Toph, you have never been more right. It is the worst city ever. You are really shining this episode.

I know this is a serious scene, but I need to point out that Jet's guyliner is on point.

This shot is jarringly out of place. I think it's because it both black and white, and live action. Those have to be real clouds.

So the Blue Spirit can talk after all. Careful, your Zuko is showing.

Wow Zuko is good at sewing. And fast too.

Sokka is having far too much fun with this whole 'prompt Jet's memory' thing. Maybe he does have a bit of a grudge after all.

Katara can reverse brainwashing now too? Everyone's levelling up this episode.

This scene with the planks is a very cool and disorienting visual.

Didn't have 'the gaang breaks into a brainwashing facility' on my ATLA bingo card.

Pretty.

OMIGOD IT'S AP- did Zuko just break the fourth wall?

Everyone always forgets to look up.

So this fight is going to be Toph v. all of the Dai Li while everyone else tries not to get in Toph's way.

That's a boat.

Toph could probably take all these guys out faster if she wasn't having to constantly break off to save everyone else from them.

The Dai Li prancing up walls is a really cool visual. It's very Ty Lee of them.

I love watching her work.

Why don't you let Long Feng escape? He's no longer threatening you, and you're down there to rescue Appa. Just let him go.

The security on Lake Laogai is a joke.

Big words from someone who also had no plan whatsoever at the North Pole.

Zuko knows that Iroh's right. He knows, and that's important. I don't think Iroh is saying anything that Zuko hasn't thought and then hurriedly pretended to have never thought about before. It's why he says 'stop it' rather than being completely confused as to what Iroh is referring to.

Poor Appa's like 'can you have a crisis of self after you free me please?'

'You've chosen your own demise." No. You chose it for him. That's some top tier deflection/victim blaming right there.

Longshot can talk!

That's one hell of a set up and pay off re: Toph's lie detecting abilities.

Poor Jet. A double tragedy: to be likeable only when you're brainwashed, and to dedicate your life to wiping out the Fire Nation yet being killed by the Earth Kingdom.

Hi Appa. It's about time buddy.

Shockingly in character for Appa's first actions to be to single handedly save the Gaang from a threat.

You skip that bastard like a stone.

Everyone go and listen to the sound Appa makes when he spits out Long Feng's shoe. It's delightful.

I am framing this.

And this too.

I can tell there's some shmymbolism here, but it's gone right over my head.

Final Thoughts

Appa is back. The Gaang has Appa back. I have Appa back. Ok. I can relax now. With any luck, this means we can leave Ba Sing Se.

This episode felt like City of Walls and Secrets, Part 2. I think it was a good decision to have a couple of episodes between the two, but I think there would be some tonal whiplash if you binged this section of season 2. Which wouldn't have been a problem for a show designed to air once a week, so it's a moot point.

So Zuko freed Appa from his chains, and presumably pointed him in the direction of a door or something. Or maybe not; Appa has a ridiculously hard head, he could have busted his way out. Either way, Zuko broke the chains. Thanks Zuko!

In season 1, Zuko finds the Avatar the world had lost. In season 2, Zuko finds the Sky Bison the Avatar had lost. So in season 3, Zuko will find something Appa has lost. I wonder what that will be?

Jet being killed by the Earth Kingdom is so deliciously ironic, and tragic, yet very in character for the Earth Kingdom's approach to this war. It's also literally this:

Smellerbee and Longshot have really gotten the short end of the stick over and over this season. They were the only ones to decide to stick with Jet. Presumably they were the only ones who believed that he had had a legitimate change of heart. And they were kind of wrong. They get to Ba Sing Se only for Jet to immediately backslide way past even where he was at his worst in Season 1. He completely discounts and dismisses their legitimate concerns for his methods and his overall health. Then Jet gets arrested and disappears for two (?) weeks. So what do they do now? Get jobs? Steal so they don't starve? Then suddenly Jet's back but he doesn't even remember them. Then suddenly Jet's dead. The whole point of coming to Ba Sing Se just died, in a way that shows very clearly that their desire to help with the war is not welcome at all in the city. So what now? Do they leave and try to fight in the war from outside the walls? Do they settle down and try to forget about the war? Things did spiral completely out of Jet's control once the Dai Li got involved, but you have to admit that he's left his only remaining friends up a creek.

Sokka had some good jokes but was oddly ok with this episode's events. Toph had some great lines and got to shine with a new skill that any writer with half a brain will bring back in future episodes. She felt like the audience substitute this episode, which is usually Sokka's role. Toph was episode MVP for sure. Poor Aang took a bit of a back seat this episode. Zuko finally hit the crisis point, and may well have made his first indisputably correct decision of the series. But, as previous episodes have gone out of their way to show me that Zuko being good always goes badly for Zuko, I'm sure freeing Appa will somehow come back to bite him.

Iroh's question of "who are you? And what do you want?" was Zuko's entire character arc this season. He took a shot at answering the "who are you?" portion in Zuko Alone, and sort of halfway got there before messing up at the end of the episode. As for the "what do you want?" Zuko will tell you (often and repeatedly) that he wants his honour back. But I think he just wants to go home. The thing is, I strongly suspect that the home Zuko wants to return to hasn't existed since his mother left, if it ever existed at all. Which means that while "who are you?" has an answer Zuko can work towards, "what do you want?" has an answer that is kind of impossible. So Zuko is going to have to learn to want something new.

RIP Jet. Your life was fucked to Hell long before you were old enough to try and salvage it. You'll probably be missed by more people than you strictly deserve. War sucks, amirite?

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Jack Howl - Platinum Jacket Vignette

"Happy 100th Anniversary"

[Land of Dawning – National Museum of Art]

Jack: Oh, this painting has wolves in the snow chasing an intruder that was romping through their territory. Very brave of them.

Jack: And this painting… Ah, it's a wolf that raised an orphaned baby. Didn't know one did that.

Jack: There's so many wolves to be proud of.

Jack: ―Ah, oops. I can't help lingering whenever I see a painting of wolves. Since they invited me all the way out here, I should take a look at the other stuff as well.

Jack: Hm? What's that painting of those animals over there…?

???: Oho? This is quite the tasteful art piece.

Jack: Oh you're… Malleus-senpai. So, you like this one, too?

Malleus: Indeed. It is truly a scene to behold that I could not help myself stopping before it.

Malleus: The sight of the baboon walking through the throng of animals, all whom have their heads bowed, is majestic and beautiful… Whatever could they be doing there?

Jack: I think this is… Yeah, a depiction of when all the animals gathered to celebrate the birth of their prince.

Jack: The baboon in the center there was respected by all the other animals as a real capable sorcerer.

Jack: Not only was he an amazing mage, he was also good at drawing, and was real strong, too.

Jack: Don't you think that's amazing? It's only natural that he'd remain in the history books, especially being that skilled.

Malleus: True, those with exceptional talents have a charming tendency to attract the attention of others.

Malleus: And you, Howl, seem to have quite the font of knowledge, with how you to readily are able to answer my queries...

Jack: Heh, I just a thing or two about the history of animals, since I'm a beastman, and all. Back when I was a kid, I'd have a ton of picture books, and I'd hear all about them.

Jack: But I think it was the tales of the King of Beasts that really made me actually go to the library and want to study more on it.

Jack: Take the fact that he was the leader of his pride. He must've been a head above everyone else in all his abilities.

Malleus: Heh… I'm certain that was the case. At any rate, it sounds to me as though this conversation has lit a fire inside of you.

Malleus: You seem to have some form of attachment to the King of Beasts.

Jack: I wouldn't say attachment… I just respect the way he pursued his life.

Malleus: Respect, I see. Well then, have you ever thought of seizing the position of pack leader as the King of Beasts did?

Jack: Nah. I don't like being part of a pack, and I'm not one for leadership.

Malleus: Oho? I was under the impression that wolves hunted in packs.

Jack: If we have the same end goal, sure, I'll team up with whoever. But it's not like I'll obediently wag my tail for everyone.

Jack: A pack leader needs to be wiser and more responsible than anyone else.

Jack: If the guy at the top makes the wrong judgement, then everyone else will suffer.

Malleus: So, you consider "wisdom" to be the key trait of a leader?

Jack: I mean, it's not enough to just be wise. They also have to be physically strong. There are folk out there that'll use sly and cowardly methods to do what they want.

Jack: If they don't have the strength to completely crush 'em down, they're not worthy of that spot at the top.

Malleus: Heh… You sure do tout some lofty expectations, Howl.

Jack: I just don't like compromising. And, since these are expectations, there'd be no point into setting them so low in the first place.

Jack: Sometimes people say I'm overly conscious, or a pain to deal with, but… So what?

Jack: No matter what anyone else might say, I follow what I believe in. I decided that long ago.

Malleus: Heh, I see that you're a rather stubborn one, Howl. However, I cannot say that pride is a terrible thing to have.

[Land of Dawning – National Museum of Art]

Jack: So, this museum also has a painting of a young lady wishing at a well, huh.

Jack: Back home… I mean, in the Shaftlands, you'd see this pretty much everywhere, but it's been a while since I've laid eyes on one, myself.

Malleus: Hm? Is this painting that well known in the Shaftlands?

Jack: Not really this painting, so much as the actual story behind it. To the point where you'd see artwork based on it displayed all over the country.

Jack: You'll get people tryin' to make a wish in the well like she does, too.

Jack: My little sister'll run to a well every time she sees one. Not like there's any proof that it'll grant her wish, but she still does.

Malleus: You make it sound as though you've never wished upon a well, Howl.

Jack: Uh, well… I did try when I was a kid… But only once.

Malleus: Oho, and why was that?

Jack: At the moment I tried to cast my wish, I fell into the well…

Jack: At the time, I was a little too short to look over the edge of the well. So, I tried to hoist myself over the rim, but I put a little too much oomph into it.

Jack: It was an old well, so there wasn't any water, but a huge pile of fallen leaves, so I didn't get hurt… But it did startle me pretty bad then.

Jack: On top of that, that well was in the middle of the forest, where people didn't really walk past. No matter how hard I yelled, no one came by.

Malleus: What misfortune. However, as you are standing here before me today, I must assume that someone did indeed come and save you.

Jack: Nope, I got out by myself. Luckily, the inside of the well had real blocky walls, so I was able to use them as footholds as I climbed out.

Jack: But that definitely wasn't easy. Back then, I wasn't training or nothing, so I didn't really have any muscles, either.

Jack: I thought I was going to fall so many times, but somehow, I got out of there…

Jack: As soon as I got out of the well, I collapsed, 'cause I was so exhausted and just couldn't move for a while.

Jack: I really thought I was in a huge pinch there, but… At the same time, I was also a pretty impressed.

Malleus: Impressed…?

Jack: Yeah. I was having trouble just climbing up to the edge of the well in the first place, but then I was able to climb the whole well up to the surface.

Jack: I was able to do something that I didn't think I'd be able to do. That means that any wish can be granted…

Jack: SO LONG AS I HAVE STRENGTH AND MUSCLES!!!

Jack: So, basically, anytime I'd have extra time that would have otherwise been spent wishing on a well, I just worked out, instead.

Malleus: Fufu, you truly found an extreme approach… But I see. Essentially, this incident was not completely misfortunate.

Jack: Yeah, I'd say so. I think I'm how I am now, because of what happened there.

Jack: Now that I'm thinking of why I got into all this training, I kind of want to work out now.

Jack: When I get back to campus, I'm going to throw myself into my training even more, so that I can overcome anything I encounter with my own power!

[Land of Dawning – National Museum of Art]

Jack: The Queen of Hearts, huh… I feel like I see her depicted alongside animals a lot.

Malleus: True. However, that is a rather unusual bird.

Malleus: It appears to be a flamingo; however I've never seen a lime green one in my life.

Jack: From what I heard, in the country that the Queen of Hearts ruled over there were flamingos of various colors, not just pink.

Jack: When Heartslabyul do their traditional croquet tournaments, they use magic to color the animals to match this tale.

Malleus: Oho? You certainly know much about this.

Jack: Me and those two from Ramshackle got invited by Ace and Deuce to play croquet with them, so…

Jack: It's just something I heard back then.

Jack: …Ugh, man. Talking about it reminded me of how I lost pretty bad then.

Malleus: Those in Heartslabyul are quite familiar with croquet. Is it not surprising to lose to them?

Jack: Even if I've never played it before, I'm usually pretty good at any sport I try. Only…

Jack: The croquet they play in Heartslabyul has real weird rules, and you need to get the animals to work with you.

Jack: During our game, the flamingo and hedgehogs were nervous only with me, so they didn't move like I was hoping they would.

Jack: They weren't scared of Grim and [Yuu], even though they were also playing with us...

Jack: The fact that I lost without being able to do anything really frustrates me.

Jack: Or more like… Can that game even be called a sport, in the first place?

Malleus: Certainly, I would agree that it is a far cry different from what one would consider an ordinary sport. I was also surprised when I first observed it.

Jack: You think so too, right!? It's just weird, needing to work alongside the animals like that...

Jack: Seeing that all the sport-loving types in my dorm haven't ever played it before…

Jack: I really don't think they could even be put in the same category. But I can't deny that I did lose the game.

Jack: When the next time comes that I play croquet with them, I can't show a terrible display like that again.

Jack: So that just means that I have to keep up in my Animal Linguistics classes!

Malleus: I see. So, ever since you lost, you've been continuing to improve yourself.

Malleus: They do say that the languages of smaller animals is rather difficult to absorb. Good for you, putting your all into even a mere game.

Jack: That's 'cause I don't want to lose the same game twice. Next time, I'll make Ace and Deuce lose face.

Malleus: Fufu, I shall hope for your efforts to be successful.

Malleus: ―Well then, I shall make my way to a different exhibit. You should also make an effort to look at some more of your favorite paintings.

Jack: …There he goes. He just does his own thing, huh? I really don't know what goes through his head.

Jack: Well, whatever. I guess I'll head towards another exhibit too. …Hm? This painting…

Jack: Ah, a lion prince, and his hornbill attendant. Heh, how can such a pathetic lookin' lion really become king?

Jack: I'll only ever accept someone strong. If they're to be king, they need to have the power to crush all greedy and sleazy people down.

Requested by Anonymous.

[netherworldpost]

Hey, just wanted to let you know that thanks to you, I've written out a few zine ideas (mostly weird and designed to be made badly, but one that I will probably make to be Nice so I can show it to family and appear to be professional or something). I haven't drawn them all out yet, but you helped me feel like I can do a thing that I've been thinking about and didn't have the words for how to make for a long time. Now I have a medium (art and silly words) to do it (talk about weird obscure facts that I'm interested about and probably at least 3 other people care about). So anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for being the kind of weird that helped to make me feel less alone and like I can make strange and cruddy artwork to talk about my interests in the hope of finding other weirdos like me. I hope you're having a good night and tell the moon and mermaids I said hi.

Hey thats amazing!!!

When you start drawing it, or if you don't want to wait and draw it -- then before you start to produce it -- make what's called "a paper dummy."

This is literally just a paper mock up of the final size, binding, whatever, using scrap paper.

Make it, then write big numbers "page 1, page 2" (etc) then unbind it, unfold it, etc. Now you'll see "okay page one should go here... page 2 should go there..."

Keep making them. Long as it is fun. Long as it is rewarding. Regardless of audience.

It's super easy to confuse "art" and "marketing" and I think that's one of the big things that chomps people when it comes to "I made this thing, no one is looking at it?"

Art and marketing are DISTANT cousins.

Some of the most popular and prolific and amazing artists online and offline media use really simple forms and shapes. Some of the most amazing technical exercises you'll ever stumble into are virtually unknown.

It's all irrelevant.

Your goals are the singular relevant thing.

I advocate for "have fun" as the primary goal because you're exclusively in charge of that. Everything can grow -- if you want it to -- from this point.

You should make your zine and you should show your zine to people who are interested in the zine's subject and if you're on solid levels with this person you should give them the zine.

Then you should make more.

If you make the zine and you think "I love this and I want more people to see it, this would please me" then look into marketing. Huge corporate word full of as much moonlight as sleeze but it boils down to:

Make thing

Figure out who likes this thing

Show it to people who like the thing

Make more things

Repeat from beginning

Forever

Marketing is...

...tricky.

Sometimes fun. Sometimes gross. Rarely cheap. Occasionally worth it. Literally never ending if you go this route.

FREQUENTLY a repeated exercise of being in the right place at the right time with the right widget -- be it a thing you're selling or something you post online because you want to share.

Cutting the ramble short -- there is a reason why Coca-Cola is served in nearly every country on earth and has for decades AND STILL MARKETS.

It's an unending task that is constantly reinvented. When I say "there are town-sized departments of people dedicated exclusively to Coca-Cola and figuring out how to remind people it exists -- not buy it, just remind them that it exists" I am talking from experience. In college I briefly interned at one of these companies. Their entire account was literally "remind people Coca-Cola exists."

As I say, getting people to know the thing you made exists is tricky.

It is--

also

completely optional

make the thing and have fun making the thing then have more fun making more versions of the thing, new variants, re-dos as skills improve, as ideas bubble up, as "...huh"

That. Is. POWER.

Sometimes making art and zines is a hobby.

Sometimes it is a way of talking.

Sometimes that talking is with yourself, now.

Yourself in the past.

Yourself in the future.

Others.

Lots of mixes here.

Sometimes it's a way of shaping the world a bit more into a shape that you want to exist by making something and now it exists and the world is different, yours first and foremost.

I am happy to welcome you to the human classification of "artist." There are billions of us, from the early days of humanity up through now and going onwards for as long as humans exist.

Welcome.

I'm so glad you're here.

But remember.

I am not at credit here.

I merely opened a door that was already there.

You did this.

You are planning this, you are going to make this, you're going to make it better next time, you're going to figure out "This is who I am, this is what I want, this is how I'm going to get it," and then you're going to make it.

And it's going to sit on your desk.

And the world will be slightly better because YOU made THIS THING.

That is power.

[mcflymemes]

MISCELLANEOUS SENTENCE PROMPTS *  collection #9

i just wanted to take another look at you.

next time, you can clean up your own mess.

come on, let's go dance.

i will make you so sorry for what you've done to my family.

it might be done now, but it was beautiful, and it was real.

you felt it. i felt it. don't lie.

maybe we're both gross inside.

it's the same story told over and over, forever.

everyone in this bar is talented at one thing or another.

that's just the truth.

are you fucking kidding?

i felt like we had a secret, just the two of us.

i hate the fact that you wore a football jersey to dinner.

you're afraid to be alive. you're afraid to live.

i do this! time after time after time! i do all this shit for other people, and then i wake up and i'm empty! i have nothing!

just look at me while you do it.

we took down some very big guys.

i would never say anything bad about your father in front of you, but your father is a sick son-of-a-bitch.

thank you, by the way.

i saw the way you were looking at me.

this place never felt like home before.

you can fuck me if you turn the lights off, okay?

i was trying to be romantic.

the art of survival is a story that never ends.

you're a conformist.

you know what? forget i offered to help you.

can we stop at the library?

i have a ring on my finger. we have a child together.

don't repeat that... but yes.

don't you understand what i'm trying to tell you?

i'm not supposed to be talking like this.

i'm gonna stay here a few days.

i'm sorry that i ever met you.

keep your voice down.

the car's a little dinged up.

you got any other questions?

i opened up to you, and you judged me.

you forgot where you were going in the first place.

could i ask you a personal question?

we have a very unconventional chemistry.

why did you order tea?

did you ever have to find a way to survive and you knew your choices were bad, but you had to survive?

you have poor social skills. you have a problem.

i don't sing my own songs.

i get anxiety when i have to meet people.

do you feel that? that's emotion.

we're not exactly friends here.

have some respect for what i do.

what you have right now goes way beyond just this.

i just don't feel comfortable.

i could get used to this shit.

you don't have to show it to me. i've been looking at it all night.

you're full of shit.

i'm telling you the truth.

if i really wanted to fucking bother you, this is what i would do.

you might not have experienced the shit that i did, but you loved hearing about it, didn't you?

you wanna go back to baltimore?

humanity is just nasty and there's no silver lining.

what's wrong with my hair?

who's that? who are you with?

it's really amazing what you're doing.

let me just touch it for a second.

don't make such a big deal.

you're a hypocrite.

can i tell you a secret?

i can't begin to explain that.

i love you. i knew it the minute i met you.

i think you might be a songwriter.

just get the hell out of here.

it's not bullshit! i read it in an article.

maybe that could work.

you say more inappropriate things than appropriate things.

nobody ever asks about you, huh.

did you just write that now?

there will always be a part of me that is sloppy and dirty, but i like that, just like all the other parts of myself.

maybe its time to let the old ways die.

you didn't do anything. it's not your fault.

if i don't say this then i'll never forgive myself.

all you got to do is trust me.

how am i being rude?

i haven't dated since before my marriage so i don't really remember how this works.

you want to get a drink sometime?

i'm not flirting with you.

you gotta pay attention this time.

you had nothing to fucking say.

why don't you have another drink?

let me walk you down to your car.

you're just fucking ugly.

i won't do this again. i won't come and find you.

you know, what i'd like is for my boyfriend to love me.

we have to change the color of your hair.

have a good one.

i think it's pretty fucking good.

the world will break your heart ten ways to sunday.

what do you want me to play?

you gotta be careful.

what are you trying to say?

can you forgive? are you capable of that?

i thought you were doing it.

i used to think that you were the best thing that ever happened to me, but now i think that you're the worst thing.

[jujumin-translates]

★ Main Story | Act 13 - Budding Spring | Chapter 23 - International Minister of Arts and Culture

Kazunari: Ah, the livestream started!

Muku: Is Citron-sama really going to walk the red carpet?

Kazunari: All I’m seeing is overseas celebs so far~.

Kumon: I’m getting kinda excited!

Misumi: There’s Citron~!

Muku: Waah, he’s so dignified and cool…!

Tenma: He really does look like royalty like this.

Kazunari: I’ll snap a commemorative screenshot~.

Taichi: Is the interview in English? It’s crazy that Citron’s speaking without an interpreter!

Guy: This is a good opportunity to showcase the Kingdom of Zahra to notable figures in the culture and entertainment fields. It is most effective to communicate with those people in their own language.

Guy: Citronia has acquired foreign language skills to a certain degree for diplomatic purposes.

Banri: Even so, he’s completely different from the usual Citron.

Banri: Can switchin’ to a different language really make that much of a difference?

Guy: In his position, you must have a good outward appearance to a certain degree.

Guy: However, when he speaks Japanese, he is able to somewhat let his inner personality out more.

Banri: Yeah, I think he’s lettin’ it out a lil’ too much…

Tenma: I’m kind of surprised that he’s been able to keep it in at all.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Citron: 《As the people of Zahra have become increasingly more interested in them, we would like to invite many excellent theatrical and musical performances from overseas to the Kingdom of Zahra.》

Citron: 《I myself belong to a Japanese theater company called MANKAI Company, which has performed overseas in the Kingdom of Zahra.》

Citron: 《Based on that experience, I believe that we can be of great help in terms of support for overseas companies.》

Citron: 《We hope to have many new encounters through this.》

*Applause*

Arts Festival Participant A: 《I have not yet had the experience of visiting your country. I have always hoped to have an opportunity like this someday.》

Citron: 《We look forward to your visit. We have many theater fans among our people, and they will certainly give you a very warm welcome.》

Arts Festival Participant B: 《I have heard much of your success, Prince Citronia. My impression of the Kingdom of Zahra being a more open nation has strengthened thanks to you.》

Citron: 《A little wanderlust can be very useful sometimes.》

Arts Festival Participant A: 《Hahaha. Right, I will be starting a new project to combine theater with the latest in AI technology and--.》

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Citron: …Phew.

Citron: (I’m almost through with the greetings.)

Citron: (After all, if we look beyond Japan and Zahra, we can see that even if we just limit our scope to focus on theater, there is still a diverse range of development all around.)

Citron: (It is stimulating to actively go to places like these.)

Citron: (A whole new door, huh… That reminds me, I wonder if everyone in Spring Troupe watched the broadcast.)

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

TorORo has entered the chat.

Saku: He said MANKAI Company!

tsuzuru: It’s pretty amazing to hear your name mentioned at an international arts festival

Curry: citron’s here

tsuzuru: I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve read “TorORo” and wondered who that is

taruchi: skill issue

UC: Aren’t you in the middle of the arts festival right now?

TorORo: i amn on a rake!

Curry: break?

taruchi: the gap’s insane

tsuzuru: That’s our Citron-san

Saku: But it’s kinda a relief!

tsuzuru: It’s like you were a whole different person during the stream

UC: There was a lot of excitement in the company LIME chat too. They were all watching from the lounge.

TorORo: evenb thouvgh we’re aparnt, it is likeb we arbe in rhe same confessional

taruchi: confessional lmfaooo

[ ⇠ Previous Part ] • [ Next Part ⇢ ]

[selnyam]

FFXIV Write 2024: Lend an Ear

Hayle Oakgrin sat at her desk, tapping her quill to the paper.  She was working on a reading room design for a newer client, one who wanted an ‘autumn woodland theme.’  She’d done plenty of woodland ones, but the client was insistent on an autumn theme and her initial designs had been close but not quite what the client was in the mood for.  She turned and picked up a few art books, hoping something in them would spark her creativity.     The sudden sound of the front door slamming and a frustrated groan caused the Vieroe to turn her head.

“UGH!”  Her twin sister dropped onto the couch, her tail bristling.  Hayle waved as she stepped into the front room, then knelt and gave Oboe a pat on the head.  The Obsidian Carbuncle chattered and squeaked, then realizing she wasn’t getting treats, hopped up next to her Mistress.  Mona sighed dramatically, her pointy ears twitching as she kicked off her boots.  Much to Hayle’s continued annoyance, the Miqroe’te just left them where they fell.  The taller of the twins rolled her eyes and sat down in the nearby chair.  She tilted her head slightly, expressions soft.

“Hey sis.  How’s the design coming along?  That old guy accept your leaf theme?”  Mona stretched out, kicking her feet up on the coffee table.  Hayle shook her head, raising a hand and tilting it side to side.  Mona knew her quiet sister well.  She was a woman of few words, using sign language or gesture more than speak.  The sisters may not be identical, but they had the a bond from being twins that transcended language sometimes.  So when Hayle tilted her head again, Mona knew she was asking if she was okay.

“Yeah, just.  UGH.  It keeps happenin’ you know?  I get a jobe, Oboe and I head out.  The mission goes great! No problems!  Courier escorted through the Oakwood no problem!”  She waved her hands dramatically, long tail swishing.  ‘BUT THEN.  Somehow it comes up who our parents are and then I never hear the end of it”  She put on a mocking deep voice “Oh your mother is Flidais Oakclamber?  You’re the daughter of the famous doctor Metrina Seagrin? And TWELVE FORBID I’m anywhere near Sharlayan!  Then it’s all about how much I must of learned from Papa’ha!”  she threw back her head, groaning again.  Hayle nodded, having had similar problems.  

Once Mona lifted her head, the Viera began to sign [I get that too.  Clients wanting to hear stories about our parents instead of about their orders.]  She smiled fondly and shrugged [It’s expected.  Papa’ha and our Mothers are famous in many ways]  she turned her head, long floppy Viera ears swinging to look at the portrait hanging on the wall.  Flidais Oakclamber, buff Viera adventurer stood with her am around her Roegadyn wife Metrina Seagrin.  Metrina had her arms around her bofyriend, a red haired Miqo’te Archon G’raha Tia.  The twins sat in front of them, a huge grin on Mona’s face as she hugged Oboe, Hayle next to her with a softer grin.  Mona followed her gaze, frustration slipping.  

“I love our family, but sometimes.  I just…” she sighed “I earned my skills!  I became an arcanist, became a SUMMONER on my own merits!  Our parents didn’t help.  Sometimes it’s just frustrating that people are so quick to want to talk about other things.”  Oboe chittered and squeaked, bumping her dark furred head against Mona’s arm.  Mona scratched her carbuncle under the chin and took a deep breath.  

“I guess, that’s part of the life of being the children of famous adventurers and Scions, huh?”  Hayle nodded and stood, glad her lending a floppy ear to her sister seemed to have helped. She raised her hands to ask a question.

[Curry sound good for dinner?  Mom brought by a new bottle of her special ‘Void Sauce’]  Mona leapt up from the couch, tail swishing in excitement.  

“Oh yes please!  I’ll come help.  You get the meat started and I’ll chop the veggies!”  The pair of twins moved to their small kitchen, stress and frustration of life eased by familial love.

[ineedlelittlespace]

for the ask game: ratthi murderbotdiaries?

Send Me a Character

Oh, Ratthi, my beloved...🥰

First impression

Like a lot of us, I only had eyes for Murderbot the first time I read ASR---the human team absolutely got shoved to my mental backburner while I was busy relating to MB. In the five seconds I did spend thinking about Ratthi, it was mostly in a "oh, so this is going to be the problem child, huh?" way when he almost walked outside into the worm's mouth.

Impression now

I love him, your honor.

But also, he is an all-around delightful human being. There's a kindness and an earnestness to his character that is just so endearing you can't help but like him, especially when you layer in the fact that he's excellent at his job, great at adapting to high-pressure situations on the fly, and has the people skills to successfully navigate the absolutely wild interpersonal interactions that the series keeps throwing at him.

Favorite moment

That whole sequence in Fugitive Telemetry where he and Gurathin drop everything to help Murderbot do some light breaking and entering. It feels like the equivalent of an errand hang-out, but if your bestie spends its spare time solving murders rather than picking up dry cleaning and going to Target. I love the implication that this is just what they do now, once Murderbot has settled into the group. Friends help friends with projects, right? So, obviously, Ratthi is going to help in whatever way he can.

Idea for a story

I kind of want to do more of his PoV for various scenes throughout the series. He's present for so many of the juiciest scenes---there's a lot to work with!

Also, it might be fun to do something with his friendship with Arada and Overse, perhaps with some backstory on their first meetings and how they moved from colleagues to besties.

Unpopular opinion

In all honesty, I don't feel like there's too much pressure re: popular vs. unpopular opinions in the Murderbot corner of the internet. The only thing that comes to mind with Ratthi is that I think we tend to...soften him a little too much sometimes. There's a tendency to focus mostly on his skill as a people person or a friendly face, not necessarily on the fact that if he wasn't so good at his actual job, he probably wouldn't be on Mensah's team. We see him tackle gory jobs like cleaning up the battle aftermath on ART in Network Effect, we see him jump into helping with medical emergencies, and in Fugitive Telemetry, he immediately identifies that "someone was dead here" when they come upon the scene of the murder because the physical signs are obvious to a biologist. As far as the humans of the series go, Ratthi is very capable!

Favorite relationship

Aside from the obvious friendship with Murderbot itself, I really do love that he's best friends with Arada and Overse. I love that these three stuck together for the next survey to follow the disastrous events of ASR. I love that their friendship is so obvious and loud that even Book One Murderbot could immediately point it out. I just really like seeing healthy platonic friendships (especially ones that coexist with and do not compete against healthy romantic ones involving some of the same characters), okay?

Favorite headcanon

The infamous "Who's this?" line from ASR was a full-on my-brain-is-short-circuiting-and-my-mouth-got-ahead-of-my-mind moment, not necessarily an ah-yes-a-stranger-to-be-introduced moment.

[fantasyfantasygames]

Hi Legion, I'm Dad

Hi Legion, I'm Dad, Flat Spats Games, 2018

The phrase that goes before the title is "We Are Legion", in case you didn't guess it right away.

Hi Legion, I'm Dad (HLID) is a tongue-in-cheek game following a bowling team full of suburban dads as they face a demonic invasion. Well, "face" isn't the right word. It's going to be more "run from" for the majority of the game. The whole thing is about 64 pages of 6"x9" format, which is probably more than it needs but it works just fine.

Characters in HLID are fairly simple. You have only skills, no core attributes. These include Defensive Driving, Workout, Household Maintenance, Man Scout, and of course, Bowling. Bowling is your standard attack skill. There are some not-quite-skills like "I got a cousin knows this guy..." that get rolled just like everything else. The game uses d12s because they roll the farthest, like a bowling ball. (d12 mechanics are my pet peeve. It's not great for anything. It's exactly wrong. It does not "need more love." Let it go.) Rolling a 1 or a 12 has an extra effect, so you're going to be seeing those a lot. That plays into the expected zany antics.

The art is cartoonish but really nails the expressions on the characters' faces. There are five men on the team, and you really get a feel for their emotional makeup. There's the smooth one, the nerd who got dragged there, the wholesome friendly guy who dragged him there, the guy who might be in the mafia, and the guy who works out a little too much. There's a good spread of ethnicities depicted, and one of them is even trans, which is cool.

The game definitely knows its target audience (i.e. these kinds of dads and their kids). Every header in the book is a dad joke or pun of some kind. Some of them you don't get for quite a while. You just think "Oh, huh, a normal-named ability" or "I have no idea why it's called that" and then 4 sessions in you hang your head in shame. Well done, Flat Spats. Well done.

The game includes a sample scenario, It Didn't Just Get Up And Walk Away, a zombie-survival-type adventure in which demons possess bodies and you have to defend yourselves from them until you can rescue the magical extra-glittery bowling ball from the ball return and send them back to hell. The NPCs feel like they could be in Army of Darkness. There are a ton more NPCs than the scenario needs, as well as a d100 list of potential adventure seeds. The authors would really like you to roll that with an actual d100. You know, like a bowling ball.

It's kind of rare that you get a game that's funny when you read it and funny when you play it. Sometimes the book did all the jokes for you and there's nothing left for you to actually contribute. HLID feels like it could be both. The well of dad humor runs deep. Well, it doesn't run at all really. Oh, well.

They actually tried to sell this game at bowling alleys. Since no one buys a book at a bowling alley, and also COVID happened, it didn't really sell well. Most copies got returned, which means they got pulped. Somewhere, though, you just know there's a dad using a well-worn copy of this book as his "office reader" and chuckling at it every day.

[worm196]

WELCOME TO THE WORMHOLE!

My name's Lars and this is where I post my art. Pretty cool, huh?

ABOUT ME!

I like drawing, sculpting, cosplaying, playing video games and sometimes writing. I'm a huge DSaF and FNaF fan but I also like Dialtown, UTDR, OMORI and Ace Attorney so you'll see a lot of art about my special interests. Yay!

I listen to pretty much anything, especially tallyhall, TEENAGE DISASTER, Lemon Demon and SOAD. I don't have a favorite music genre: anything that scratches my brain nicely is good music, you know.

ABOUT MY ART, SOCIALS, WHATEVER!

You can use my art as your pfp as long as you credit me, of course! But do not repost my stuff without permission!! Ask me first.

I'm not taking commissions rn, unless you're willing to give me Discord nitro. In that case, I might make an exception...

I also post on YouTube, Instagram and on Reddit. You can check me out there too, if you wanna!

KEEP IN MIND!

Tone indicators can be very helpful, especially if you're being serious about something. Understanding tone via text is kinda hard for me, I'd highly appreciate it if you used them!

I take a loooong time to reply to messages: my brain is slow and my social skills are inexistent. Please be patient with me!

That's it for now! My asks are open sooo go crazy (well, not too crazy- just, don't make me uncomfortable). I'll post art whenever I make some.

See you on the flipside!

[radioiaci]

Wanted to answer all the nice things I was given in one post, so find them under the read-more cuz it's long. <3

@radiiosugars ⧐ you are a wonderful writer and i enjoy seeing your portrayal! I smile when you're on my dash <3 the little details you include with his perspective really do paint a picture! (and i hope your day gets better! )

WEH THANK YOU SO MUCH SALT, you're a blessing and I wholeheartedly appreciate whenever you spam me on Discord with SILLIES even though I don't always have the capacity to respond right away fjkdjgjdg I LOVE YOUR PORTRAYAL AND YOUR ART TOO and thank you for the kindness 😭

@copaceticjillybean ⧐ You are…soooo good at stuff! Your Alastor portrayal, your art, it’s all just really really cool! I’m always so excited, when I see you post your animatics, or a new drawing, or a reply, because I know it’s gonna brighten up my day a bit! ; I know you’re having a hard time today, but I just wanted you to know that I think you’re really neat and good at what you do. ^w^ ; Oh, and I almost forgot- you’re also just FUN. Like, your ooc posts are just cute and funny, and I like seeing you pop on and tell us what you’re thinking. You’re easy to talk to, and that means a lot, especially for someone like me who can get nervous talking with people >u<;

AAAA THANK YOU, I really do try to be as approachable as possible given the type of person that I am, so I really don't want anyone to feel like they CAN'T talk to me. sometimes the RPC can feel really limited and exclusive and I like to change that in whatever way I can. you are always very kind and fun to write with as well AND I CAN'T WAIT to see what sort of sillies Alastor and Jillian can get up to

@helluvaflames ⧐ I love the way you write Alastor and I'm still loving writing Fizzarolli and him in these scenes. You write Alastor so well and its been so fun to get to know him through our threads!

YES THANK YOU YOU GET ME, I love writin' with your lil Fizzy too! I'm also excited for Alastor and Angel's "date" LOL I'm sure there will be RIDICULOUSNESS there, just knowing how they generally interact. Thank you for putting up with me and my silly deer boy!!

@tinyfieryghost ⧐ YOUR ART IS SIMPLY INCREDIBLE. I love how you draw Alastor and writing with you is always a pleasure! I also love how you write Alastor! Silly guy who can and will murder and maim!!! Also you're great to talk to in general!

LISTEN YOU, YOUR ART IS ALSO PHENOMENAL and I didn't think I genuinely would get as invested into Alastor/Ghost's relationship but him in my brain was just like? ? ? ? "this one is mine? ? ?? actually???" so I MEAN IT JUST HAPPENED THAT WAY and I'm not mad about it. I'M EXCITED for Al's encounter with Reaper fr fr and I love writing with you!!!

@visage-of-hell ⧐ *violently kicks in the door* DID SOMEONE SAY POSITIVITY???? ; Bitch, you're one of the most TALENTED fuckers I know on this site. Amazing writing style? Check. Brilliant character portrayal? Check. AND knock-your-socks-off gorgeous artistic skills to boot???? Dude, you are a triple threat of sheer creative genius--don't you DARE be doubting that for even a second!

WUH HUH BUH LISTEN you are ALSO very talented and I VERY MUCH love writing with Al and Vis together because they're a real ENEMY TO LOVER ARC MAYBE? AND I KNOW IT'S SLOW MOVING BECAUSE ALASTOR IS STUPID but I LOVE IT ALSO??? Thank you my friend, I love to talk with you too and share funny sillies and fawn over them being so STUPID

@damnedrainbows ⧐ //you’re one of my favorite alastors and truthfully I admired from the sidelines for a while because I felt inadequate hehehehe I can!t wait to interact with our muses more and see where it go for him and lucifer ; also forgot to tack on, amazing artist ; like seriously I link my friends your art all the time on discord lol

WHAT???? ONE OF UR FAVS???? STOPPIT. That always means a ton to me, especially because I know how many TALENTED and wonderful writers there are playing Alastor out there so that RLY MAKES ME FEEL GOOD AND VALUED and YOUR writing is also fantastic! Al/Lucifer's first thread is so weirdly deep after starting off as like almost a meme and I'm LIVING for it LOL. AND I'M GLAD YOU LIKE MY ART LMAO maybe some day I'll draw something like actual serious for people to share jgdljgd but I enjoy drawing shitpost Al too much BUT THANK YOU this means a lot.

@lilitophidian ⧐ HEEEEY YOU, I LOVE YOUR LITTLE DEER, AND WE GOT SOME DOPE ASS SHIT GOING ON LIKE??? your writing is so fucking good I wanna do more threads with you at some point even though I have verbal diarrhea ; BUT YOU DESERVE THE BEST LIKE I TAKE TIME ON MY REPLIES TO YOU SO THEY ARE GOOD EATS??? Like, let me love on ya!!! ; Also your art ; I'd tattoo the pink dress wearing Alastor on my body fr

MY LIL DEER BOY YES I'M SO EXCITED for him to be.... tortured... mercilessly (that sounds bad LMAO) but LISTEN we are both wordy and I do NOT hate that one bit, I EAT IT UP YUMYUM gimmi all that good good exposition and artsy prose I LOVE that shit and you do it SO WELL. Also thank you for recommending frilly pink dress Alastor, I think he will never live that one down LMAO.

@ducktastic-dad ⧐ you are SO funny and sweet pascall, i love writing with you ( and your writing is amazing obviously i cannot live without it ) but even just our conversations ooc bring me lots of joy !! you have fantastic art and i am FLOORED by how creative you are ! thank you for making me funny shitposts and indulging my horrible brainrot 😭💜

I'M GRABBING YOU AND SHAKING YOU BY THE SHOULDERS listen the fact that you have put up with my dumbass over the last few weeks just constantly spamming you with radioapple shit means that you should get some type of AWARD HONESTLY. every IC interaction we have is so good and whenever you reply I'm like *VACCUUM NOISES* as i ABSORB IT. YOU're the one indulging MY horrible brainrot and u know what there's something beautiful about that. THANK YOU ily ily

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

Thank you all for such kind words, it really did make me feel better about my poopy day. <3

[firstelevens]

hi zainab!!!! 2, 3, 6, and 29 for the fic writer ask???

Hi Mak! Thank you for sending these in!

2. Do you read/reread your own fics?

Yes, because I am absolutely my own biggest fan!

On a much more practical note, sometimes I reread because it's part of a series and I'm checking a canonical detail (although if it's in the Bake Off AU I'm better off just asking @sesamestreep, who is the official lorekeeper and knows that universe's canon better than I do.) Other times, there's a fic where I just really like what I did with a character's voice or the general tone of a scene and I'll go back just to get a feel for what I did the last time.

3. What’s your favorite fic that you’ve written?

I mean, the Bake Off AU has my whole heart and there's so much of me in it that it will always be special to me BUT!!! I really love the Thunderbolts-era epistolary fic counted days, counted miles because I think it's an exercise in me managing to show writerly restraint, which is a skill I'm still working on. (And also I got to come up with so many fun spy tricks for hiding letters; it was great.)

6. Are there any fics from others you reread all the time?

How fortuitous that you picked this question when I have reread wish that i could wind (like a spiral stair through time) FIVE TIMES in the past month. That fic is a work of art. I am also never far from rereading and never ever watch the ten o'clock news, which is Emma's phenomenal Psych AU of Rogue One which is just so wonderful and funny and it continues to hold up. Oh also! There's don't read the last page, which is a Brooklyn Nine-Nine fic that is short and sweet and just so warm and cozy and I go back to that one a lot just for the mood of it.

29. Share a bit from a fic you’ll never post OR from a scene that was cut from an already posted fic.

Okay so this question reminded me that there's a 1200 word scene from the Formula 1 AU that was originally going to be the epilogue but got canned which SUBSEQUENTLY reminded me that there's a whole scene that I wrote for the Bake Off AU that got cut from Chapter 6 because things ended up going another way!

The beginning will looks familiar if you remember anything from that chapter, but then there's a sharp left turn that involves the lost plot point of Becca Barnes creeping on Joaquín's thirst trap and restaurant review filled Instagram in order to figure out where Bucky could go for dinner. I was sad to lose it tbh but the restaurant still made it into the fic as the place where Sam and Bucky go out on their definitely-not-a-date in Chapter 10.

A peek at the alternate timeline under the cut!

Bucky is starfished on his bed, trying to muster the energy to get up when his phone rings. His eyes are squeezed shut, but he opens one to peer at the screen. He only answers because it’s Becca, but he’s too tired to do more than grunt into the phone when he picks up.

“Good day, huh?” she asks, laughing when he just groans in response.

“Hope yours was better than mine,” Bucky says, when he finally manages to talk. “How’s day shift treating you?”

“I’m discovering that there’s this thing in the sky called the sun, and it provides light? And makes people happy? Do you think other people know about it? Should I be telling them?”

He laughs tiredly. “You can use all this newfound energy to make a TikTok about it.”

“I’ll get on that,” Becca says. “What about you? You okay?”

“Yeah,” says Bucky, bringing his hand up to his face. “I just need to lie down for a while.”

Not that lying down for the past half hour has helped, but he’s got high hopes for that sixty minute mark.

“No, what you need to do is eat something,” Becca says, sounding remarkably like their mother. “Tell me your head isn’t hurting right now.”

Bucky freezes, his fingers still pressed into his temples. “It’s creepy when you do that, you know.”

She laughs. “I know. Hey, why don’t you go to that place that you and Steve went to all the time, the one with the waffles?”

The last time Bucky had been there, four years ago, he’d spent the entire evening bickering companionably with Sam while Steve dealt with a work emergency. It had felt remarkably like flirting, and he’d even thought about asking Sam to get a drink sometime—and then Bucky had been eliminated after the next day’s Showstopper, and that put an end to that.

He shakes his head to clear it. “I’m tired, Bec, and they pick us up at like, six AM. I think I might just grab something from the convenience store.”

“Buck, I spend half my time listening to newborn babies cry and that is still the most pitiful thing I’ve heard this week. You are not eating yogurt for dinner alone in your hotel room.”

Bucky huffs. “Well, I’d grab a random stranger off the street to join me, but I’m not looking to get murdered today, Rebecca.”

He can hear the sound of Becca typing, doing the thing where she studiously ignores his asshole behavior until he comes around and starts acting a more like a person. It’s annoying how well it works. 

After a minute or two of typing and what he assumes is scrolling, she lets out a, “Huh.”

When he waits for her to elaborate and she doesn’t, Bucky sighs. “What is it?”

“Do you know a Joaquín Torres?”

It’s far from the question he was expecting but Bucky answers in the affirmative. “He’s a baking consultant on the show.”

More typing. “Does he have good taste?”

There’s a tiny, childish part of Bucky that wants to say no, because Torres is chirpy and bright-eyed and his unfailing enthusiasm is exhausting at times, but that would be a lie. “Yeah, he knows his stuff. Why?”

“He lives in Atlanta; he posts about a lot of local hidden gems. There’s a Tunisian restaurant a couple blocks from your hotel, apparently? Kind of looks like a hole in the wall but he says the food is amazing.”

“I don’t know, Bec. It’s late and eating out alone is depressing.” His limbs feel heavy, and his shoulder is starting to hurt from having the prosthetic on for so long, and he knows that food would make his headache go away, but he just can’t drag himself off the bed.

Like Becca knows what track his mind is on—and honestly, she probably does—, she chooses this moment to go for the knockout. “Come on, Buck; it’s my job to look out for you, and you’re too far away for me to drag you out to dinner and make sure you eat. Throw a girl a bone here.”

She’s too powerful for her own good.

Bucky drags a hand down his face, sighing again. “You know, I hear some people don’t let their baby sisters tell them what to do all the time.”

“Poor them,” says Becca.

“Poor them,” echoes Bucky, and asks her to text him the address.

When she does, he looks it up and realizes that it really is only two blocks away: completely walkable, even in Atlanta’s late spring heat, and only a little further than the convenience store where he’d planned to grab his apparently pathetic dinner.

It’s only when he gets to the door of the restaurant that he remembers it’s a Saturday night and he probably should have thought to make a reservation. The place only has a handful of tables to begin with, and they’ve all got people at them. The host already has an apologetic look on his face as Bucky walks in, but they both turn in surprise when they hear someone inside the restaurant call out to him.

“Bucky!” says Joaquín, as brightly as ever. “Come sit with us.”

Because the universe has a sense of humor, ‘us’ is of course Joaquín and Sam, who are having dinner together. Alone. On a Saturday night.

It can’t be a date, Bucky reasons. No one would invite a random acquaintance to third-wheel their date, right?

He realizes that he still hasn’t responded when the host assures him that of course they’ll be able to add another place setting to the table, and before he knows it, Bucky is being whisked over to their table.

Whatever mood had settled over Sam after the signature today seems to have dissipated, and he turns to Bucky with a grin on his face. “I hope you trust Torres over here, because he ordered way too much food for us and didn’t let me see the menu.”

Joaquín shrugs. “I come here a lot,” he says. “Not enough people know about it, but it’s amazing.”

“Which is why he’s on a mission to be their one-man marketing team,” says Sam. “We got here half an hour ago and he’s already posted on Instagram like, ten times.”

Bucky thinks of the sound of Becca on her computer as she’d talked to him earlier, how she’d pivoted from suggesting the diner he’d probably have ended up at to this specific restaurant, and suddenly, this coincidence feels markedly less like a coincidence.

He’d probably feel more annoyed about it if he didn’t spend the meal close enough to Sam for their shoulders to constantly be brushing. Torres is right; the food is great, but if anyone asks, Bucky’s pretty sure the only thing he’d be able to recount is how many times Sam touched his arm to ask him to pass things, or dished some more food onto his plate, or gently nudged him while telling Joaquín stories of their time filming season two.

When the check comes, Bucky insists on paying, to make up for crashing Sam and Joaquín’s dinner, and as they stand on the sidewalk outside the restaurant, Joaquín offers to drop them off at the hotel on his way home. He’s about to accept when Sam waves it off. 

“I think we’ll just walk back,” says Sam. “It’s so nice out, and the hotel’s probably closer than your car is.”

There’s a moment where all three of them silently commiserate over the trials of city parking, and then Joaquín says he’ll see them tomorrow and heads off.

Bucky glances sidelong at Sam, whose eyebrows are knitted together as he looks down the street towards their hotel. He can see the entrance from where they’re standing, but Sam gently touches his elbow and nods down the street to their left—the long way, Bucky realizes, a moment too late.

[sen-no-kotowari]

PGR Noan Character Profile

Good day and I'm back with some good news! The formatting plug-in I use is back to normal so everything should look the same like before. Aside from that, I will be posting back-to-back character profiles over the next few days and the first one up the bater is Noan's! You can learn more about Noan under the cut down below!

Voice Line Data

Motion Voice Lines

Lobby Voice 1

Noan: I passed nearby the Arts Association while walking around the other day. If there comes a time when peace will be upon us and an Arts Association is built on Earth, would people who love to draw be able to feed themselves? ...I see. That'd be wonderful.

Lobby Voice 2

Noan: What do you think of having a war memorial on the plaza? ...Huh? What do I think about it? I believe the people in this era making the most of their lives are just as awe-inspiring. Perhaps it's because I've seen too many death that I strongly believe more than ever living in itself is...incredible.

Lobby Voice 3

Noan: (Paints something) ........Hm? Oh, I've been painting a picture with the paintbrush you left. It's nothing fancy, just a simple drawing of a sunflower. If I told you I drew this while thinking of you, would you believe me?

Raise Affection Level

Noan: If I tell you that I want to become closer to you... what will you do?

Repetitive Taps

Noan: What's wrong? No need to be frantic. I'll be right by your side.

Log-In

Noan: Welcome back, Commander. I've been waiting for you.

Online for a Long Time

Noan: Wait a second, let me check your eyes. ...Hrm, now open your mouth. What time did you sleep yesterday? ...(Sigh) Really now...

AFK

Noan: I don't know if you're asleep or you're working hard... Well, maybe it's not so bad, getting to see your back like this.

Shake

Noan: Wha—! Are you okay?! Did you trip?

Offline for a Long Time

Noan: Showing up just now, did you oversleep? Were you having a dream of a calm and harmonious world? If that was a blissful dream, then you should've dreamed a little while longer. Don't worry, I'll continue to wait for you here 'til you show up.

Introduction and Formation

Structure Acquired

Noan: Hello there, Commander. Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name's Noan, that is my real name. Pleased to make your acquaintance.

Level Up

Noan: I have to spare no effort if I want to grow as a person.

Advancement

Noan: Thank you. Does this mean you've acknowledged me?

Model Improvement

Noan: Looks like the things I can do for others have increased yet again. Thank you.

Skill Upgrade

Noan: I'll continue to hone these skills until the day I put them to rest.

Equipment

Noan: This weapon... Hmmm, what should I call it?

Add in Team

Noan: Perhaps I should be grateful to you, who put your faith in me.

Assign as Captain

Noan: You're making me the captain? Yeah, I think I can do it. Leave it to me.

Mission Accomplished

Noan: Okay, mission complete. Do we have anything else to do?

Daily Small Talks

Voice Line 1

Noan: Ever since I left City Number 075, I've been staying at Oblivion's base. I wonder if Watanabe's doing well. I'd like to go meet up with him if there's a chance.

Voice Line 2

Noan: Lee sometimes has this resolute look in his eyes... It's as if he had already made peace. Recently, he— ...Nevermind, forget I said anything. It seems like it's something he wishes to keep to himself.

Voice Line 3

Noan: How have I been lately? Maybe I'll tell you a little secret of mine. I'm actually a super Eden-class ambassador. Since both my conversational skills and presentation skills are perfect, I was able to make friends in Eden and also fit in right away.

Voice Line 4

Noan: My past? You've seen plenty of vagabonds who lost their hometown, right? I'm also a part of those vagabonds. There's nothing special about it.

Voice Line 5

Noan: I've heard from Commander Simon that you were an alumnus who graduated as the top student of FOS Military Academy, right? What kind of things do they teach during class in school? ...Most of the schools on Earth were closed down. It makes you wonder—how many people born in this era were able to receive proper education in their life?

Voice Line 6

Noan: I passed nearby the Arts Association while walking around the other day. If there comes a time when peace will be upon us and an Arts Association is built on Earth, would people who love to draw be able to feed themselves? ...I see. That'd be wonderful.

Voice Line 7

Noan: Ah, that's right. I'm done reading the books you've told me about. Do you have other books you can recommend to me? I want to try reading a variety of books more. The library's just around the corner plus I also have a wonderful guide who'll give me a tour.

Voice Line 8

Noan: The starry sky isn't the only thing that shines in the darkness. Even if the small glowing lights around us aren't as bright as the North Star, they emit a faint light with everything they have.

Voice Line 9

Noan: Everyone used to admire stories about heroes saving the world when they were little, right? But when they grew up, they knew that those are just fictional stories, nothing more—no matter how much you do your best, you can't change the world around you alone. That's why... I'm glad that we both could do our very best here.

Voice Line 10

Noan: I don't regret rejecting the offer of becoming an Ascendant, even if it meant I'd accept how ordinary I am. I would be betraying my heart if I did. Don't worry. I already made up my mind from the moment I told you the name "Noan," no matter what may happen.

Voice Line 11

Noan: You always devote yourself to either listening to other people's worries or what they feel deep down, just like the gentle protagonists from the stories I've read... But why don't you try asking someone for some advice once in a while? I fear you might break someday if you always keep your worries to yourself.

Voice Line 12

Noan: What do you think of having a war memorial on the plaza? ...Huh? What do I think about it? I believe the people in this era making the most of their lives are just as awe-inspiring. Perhaps it's because I've seen too many death that I strongly believe more than ever living in itself is...incredible.

Voice Line 13

Noan: I look forward to the day this world overcomes the harsh winter and welcomes the tender spring... If you also share the same sentiment as I do, shall we make a promise to each other? Of course, I'd want you to be included in that future.

Voice Line 14

Noan: (Paints something) ........Hm? Oh, I've been painting a picture with the paintbrush you left. It's nothing fancy, just a simple drawing of a sunflower. If I told you I drew this while thinking of you, would you believe me?

Voice Line 15

Noan: I don't regret the things I've done in the past. I've used the grief I experienced as a catalyst to move forward without ever denying myself. ...For a brighter tomorrow free from strife, I shall give everything I have head-on so that we won't lose any more people we hold dear.

Raise Affection Level

Voice Line 1

Noan: (Chuckle) You sure have a lot of friends.

Voice Line 2

Noan: It'd be a waste to gift that to me. How about giving it to someone more worthy than me?

Voice Line 3

Noan: I'm happy enough that you're standing in front of me without your guard up.

Voice Line 4

Noan: Thank you... Are you just this kind to anyone you've met?

Voice Line 5

Noan: What are your hobbies? Ehehe, getting to know each other is the first important step in becoming friends.

Voice Line 6

Noan: Should I draw a picture for you in return as thanks? I'm kidding. This present you gave me is far more valuable than any of my drawings.

Voice Line 7

Noan: Despite the countless despair and spite this world has, you still make sure to treat others kindly. You truly are amazing.

Voice Line 8

Noan: I'm fine with any notebook and pen. I feel like it'd be wasteful if I use such a good quality paintbrush for this.

Voice Line 9

Noan: Are we... friends already? Ah, I want to be your friend, your comrade. And from here on out, I wish to stay by your side... That's what I feel.

Voice Line 10

Noan: I don't have much to give back to you in return, but... Please don't hesitate to tell me if there's something I can do for you.

Voice Line 11

Noan: Can I... come meet you again tomorrow?

Voice Line 12

Noan: Thank you so much... truly. It's not just the presents you've given me. I'm thankful for you and the words you said to me back then.

Voice Line 13

Noan: We're still amidst the harsh winter... But whenever you're with me, it feels like it becomes less cold than before.

Voice Line 14

Noan: If I tell you that I want to become closer to you... what will you do?

Voice Line 15

Noan: It's enough for me that we're aiming for the same goal and being able to fight alongside you, but that doesn't mean I'll stop longing for you... (Chuckle) Commander?

Voice Line 16

Noan: Can I take it that you're okay being this close to each other, Commander...?

AFK

Voice Line 1

Noan: Your sleepiness is also making me feel sleepy, hrm... Even though I already don't need to sleep anymore...

Voice Line 2

Noan: It's been pretty quiet, but are you busy with something else?

Voice Line 3

Noan: I don't know if you're asleep or you're working hard... Well, maybe it's not so bad, getting to see your back like this.

Voice Line 4

Noan: Are you asleep? I want to check up close if you're sleeping, but just in case I might wake you up... Yeah, I should stop here.

Voice Line 5

Noan: ♬~Our wishes will outlive us~♪ The light you shine is gentle as you are~♬[1]

Online for a Long Time

Voice Line 1

Noan: Having a lot of missions to deal with seems tough. Is there something I could help you with?

Voice Line 2

Noan: Oh-kay, let's confirm if you're still wide awake. What do you see on this ink blotch? ...It's some sort of abstract matter? Uhh-huh...

Voice Line 3

Noan: You're complaining that your neck hurts because you're always looking downwards. ...Come on, let's do some light stretches. Relax your muscles, and move around your head and shoulders.

Voice Line 4

Noan: Wait a second, let me check your eyes. ...Hrm, now open your mouth. What time did you sleep yesterday? ...(Sigh) Really now...

Voice Line 5

Noan: You've sacrificed your health just so you can finish all your work. I doubt you'd even listen to me, but... Why not rest even just for a few minutes?

Log-In

Voice Line 1

Noan: Morning. Do we have a mission today?

Voice Line 2

Noan: Commander, here's the list of missions for today. If we're all set, let's head out.

Voice Line 3

Noan: Morning, Commander Simon told me to pass along this message to you when I met him in front of the training room. Let's get along, he said.

Voice Line 4

Noan: I've been thinking it's about time you arrive here. I guess we're connected telepathically then?

Voice Line 5

Noan: You're back, Commander. I did several missions while you weren't here the past few days, but I knew I'd think about such a thought... "If only you were here," that is.

Voice Line 6

Noan: Welcome back, Commander. I've been waiting for you.

Voice Line 7

Noan: Did you sleep well last night? Your ability to focus would recede when you're tired, plus the people who care for you would be worried. Hm? Of course, I would be. I'm also one of those people.

Voice Line 8

Noan: Welcome back, Commander. I've been thinking about you. Oh, well you're not wrong that you're in front of me right now. Even so, I just couldn't help myself.

Offline for a Long Time

Noan: Showing up just now, did you oversleep? Were you having a dream of a calm and harmonious world? If that was a blissful dream, then you should've dreamed a little while longer. Don't worry, I'll continue to wait for you here 'til you show up.

Shake

Voice Line 1

Noan: Wha—! Are you okay?! Did you trip?

Voice Line 2

Noan: Stop it, my glasses are about to fall down... Wha- wait... Don't take off my glasses...!

Voice Line 3

Noan: Even if you do that, a coin won't come out from me.

Repetitive Taps

Voice Line 1

Noan: Hm? What the- (Sigh)... I already said I'm not hiding anything. Wait, this isn't a body inspection?

Voice Line 2

Noan: W-wait— th-that tickles! Aha-...Gee, that was unexpectedly childish of you. It's fine, I'll let this slide since I saw your smile.

Voice Line 3

Noan: What's wrong? No need to be frantic. I'll be right by your side.

Activity Task Full

Noan: Our activity level's at max level, let's take a small break. If you have other plans you want to do, shall I tag along?

Battle Dialogues

Battle Start/Character Switch

Noan: I fight so the plights and suffering in our lifetime will be kept at bay.

Voice Line 1

Noan: Let's reassess what their sins are.

Voice Line 2

Noan: This is how the "best duo" pairs up.

Voice Line 3

Noan: Tear through the darkest night.

Ultimate Skill

Noan: Amidst the depths of winter will genuine springtide flourish!

Light Damage

Noan: I'm fine.

Heavy Damage

Noan: No... I mustn't fall here...

Incapacitated

Noan: I'm sorry... for leaving you all alone...

Friend Support

Noan: I don't plan to make you suffer any longer.

QTE

Noan: Aim for a swift victory.

Battle End

Noan: It's over, let's go home now.

Structure Documentation

Document Detail 1

Noan's appearance has established the fact Ascendants can turn humans into Structures. He is currently under surveillance in Eden for associating with an Ascendant. Although he doesn't seem to be disgruntled by the constant surveillance, research, and cooperation with his examinations, most of the "people who know his situation" feels somewhat lonely since Noan acts courteously as if he's keeping them at arm's length.

Document Detail 2

Noan himself named his model "Sojourn." He took inspiration from the time a young boy had preached to him after he left the Azil—"the world around us is a sojourn and all the sorrow they've experienced will one day return to the earth." The world around us is a large place of dwelling. Yes, even this very body he has. He has begun his new journey to the final destination of his life.

Document Detail 3

After he had fitted one of his coatings, Noan was sorely unsure whether or not he'd dye his hair in a rainbow color. However, everyone in Barometz Platoon strongly opposed it and even received harsh criticism from Arts Association Chairman Allen, saying it was "an abstract expression." The white streak of hair strands offset by his raven-colored hair expresses his resolution.

Document Detail 4

Even though Noan could deftly master a weapon and can write in either his left or right hand, he isn't particularly good at handling heavy weapons. It's not because of how incompetent he is, but because he's proficient in keen and nimble combat. The blueprint for his Energy Blade is a gift he received from Rachel on his 17th birthday. The other blade he wields on his other hand is something he had been using ever since he joined the porter company. Until Noan obtained his Energy Blade, his weapons used to be a blade and a gun.

Document Detail 5

He is hardly proficient in long-range weapons. Even the accuracy of the gun Noan previously used wasn't high. When you'd think he missed the mark, he would actually hit the vital target by fluke. There was a time when the bullet Noan fired pierced 3 windows, hitting the billboard across the building, and it fell on the leader of a burglary group.

Document Detail 6

He was able to escape an Ascendant's interferences and hallucinations alone. According to later observations, it was acknowledged that the stability in his Sea of Consciousness allows him adaptability toward Specialized Models. The Science Council still hasn't concluded whether this characteristic was something Noan originally had or was the result of the Ascendant's interference.

Rumors and Secrets

Secret 1 Has read a considerable amount of manga in a stack room. Noan seems to be receptive to any work, possibly because there are also peculiar plots among those he'd read. He would thoroughly read a manga title until the end, especially titles recommended to him by his friends.

Secret 2 To secure some space in his bag, Noan left a manga with a pear blossom between its pages at City Number 075. It was the Gray Raven Team who found that manga when they had visited for a survey. Noan retrieved that manga after that, but he lost it when he was heavily injured in City Number 210.

Secret 3 Noan still occasionally dreams of his past up until now. With how he is now, however, he is distinctly self-aware that it's all a dream and immediately wakes up—because in that dream, there isn't a single scratch on the firefly in his hands.

Secret 4 Although Noan had learned countless skills to survive, the only exception to that is cooking—up until he became a Structure, cooking delicious food wasn't a necessity for him. Now so long as he has a recipe to follow, Noan could cook the dish to a certain extent. Since he frowns upon ingredients going to waste, he inattentively ate the scrap parts of the ingredients on one occasion.

Secret 5 Whenever Noan is at a loss for what to do, he would tell a joke with a serious look on his face and divert the subject matter. He would often make his facial expressions overly serious so the other person would take them seriously. Noan would most likely say "maybe I'll tell you a little secret of mine" whenever he would tell an outlandish joke in the beginning, but he'd immediately give an explanation for his actions if the other person does take it seriously. If he manages to get by each time, strictly speaking.

Secret 6 Noan was once praised by his colleagues in the porter company for being skilled at consoling people and he would usually be the person they rely on to take care of their hammered colleagues at their drinking parties. Although he doesn't drink alcoholic beverages himself, it doesn't mean he wouldn't help them out or ditch out on the people who need someone could lend an ear to them.

Secret 7 Noan isn't good at handling people who are crying—he also can't tell if the other person is actually crying or shedding crocodile tears. To appear calm in front of a crying person even though he's panicking internally, Noan will probably almost nod to every request he generally won't agree on.

Secret 8 He wants to be reincarnated as a seagull in his next life, yet he has never seen either the ocean or a seagull before he became a Structure.

Secret 9 Noan was infamous as a pigheaded person in Passenger Car N until he was 13 years old. Because he recurrently used to incite a reckless feud, he was referred to as a "prickly boy"[2] by the people in that car. The person in question, however, has neither seen a chestnut's burr nor a person getting stabbed by it so he never knew they were referring to him.

Secret 10 Even though he isn't particularly nit-picky when it comes to colors, Noan prefers shades of white that give off a pure and clean feel—it ranges from white fabric, white bird feathers, clear skies, a pristine piece of paper, and so on... But the only thing he hates among the pure white things is snow, especially an endless snowfield.

Secret 11 While he was easy to get along with and had hit off with many friends, Noan had very few close friends he cherished in all sincerity. He's somewhat dense when it comes to emotions and is constantly passive, as he never expressed his desires or his eagerness to someone he was just recently acquainted with—he's the type of person who'd like to know the other person well on top of closing the distance between them.

Secret 12 He would frankly express his emotions to close friends. When the other person shows an interesting reaction to his words, Noan will try to pull a prank using that word. Despite being aware that he still has a childish side, he doesn't plan on hiding this side of himself entirely from his close friends.

This is in reference to the Surviving Glimmer's main theme song.

This may possibly be a reference to the manga "Igakuri-kun" (Igakuri-kun: Young Judo Master) written by Fukui Eiichi.

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Cater Diamond - Platinum Jacket Vignette

"Happy 100th Anniversary"

[Land of Dawning – National Museum of Art]

Cater: This museum's real neat～ There's a ton of real picturesque paintings here!

Cater: I should study these as much as I can, 'cause I might be able to learn a thing or two about snagging awesome pics from the way these are composed ♪

Cater: ―Hey, look at that painting…

???: Woah, it's the card soldiers. Cool, I can really see their brisk little walk in the paintin'.

Cater: I totes agree, Ruggie-kun. I was just thinking the same thing.

Ruggie: Oh, Cater-san. Guess ya can't pass by this painting without checking it out, 'cause you're one of 'em Heartslabyul Card Soldiers, eh?

Cater: Sooo true～ 'Specially 'cause this painting's got the diamond-suited card soldiers, too ☆

Ruggie: Riight, you got the diamond marking. How do y'all decide who gets what suit?

Cater: Fantastic question. This little mark, y'see…

Cater: Gets decided by the Housewarden's whim ♪

Ruggie: A whim!? That's actually a pretty random way of pickin' 'em…

Cater: Oh, no, it's more like the Housewarden draws on the suit they feel will "suit" the new student from their looks.

Cater: Although, there is rule that the suits need to be doled out as evenly as possible, so…

Cater: Could be that the last few assignments might be more like… whatever works, or something like that～

Ruggie: So basically, it all comes down to the Housewarden's intuition and discretion, huh. You happy with the suit you got given, Cater-san?

Cater: Obvi. I was really hoping for the heart or diamond mark, so I really did get just what I wanted.

Cater: 'Sides, if I had gotten the spade or club, I'd've had to buy all new cosmetics, too.

Ruggie: Gah. You tellin' me that you guys in Heartslabyul gotta shell out your own cash to buy makeup depending on the suit!?

Cater: Oh, no, no, it's not like we absolutely have to do that or anything.

Cater: But I felt like the cosmetics I already had wouldn't have really gone well with one of the black suits, sooo～

Cater: And so, don'tcha think it'd be better for me to have some makeup that'll suit both me and the given suit?

Cater: That's why when I knew I got the diamond painted on, I started thinking of the cosmetics I had with me.

Cater: I got to thinkin' like how I could use a brown multi-makeup palette with it, or how it could match with my orange eye shadow…

Cater: I started trying to put together combinations of all my favorite makeups and it got me really excited～

Ruggie: Ah, I get that.

Ruggie: It's a great feelin' whenever you can use whatcha got on hand and not have to buy new stuff, huh! 'N I'm not just talkin' 'bout cosmetics.

Cater: Yeah, yeah. Also, we sometimes end up painting the suit some color other than red whenever we have events or special outfits, right?

Cater: I do borrow stuff from my other dormmates when I need it, but before I know it I find I've bought all sorts of cosmetics, y'know～

Cater: But hey, I get to play around with some cute and cool styles of makeup, so it's all worth it in the end…

Cater: Chattin' about it like this makes me realize just how happy I truly was to get the diamond suit picked for me.

Cater: And 'cause of how I have to always paint the suit on my face, I also got real good at applying eye makeup, too ♪

Cater: So when I think of it that way, I guess Heartslabyul was the best dorm to improve my cosmetic skills.

Ruggie: I'm someone who just throws things together based on whatever hand-me-downs and random stuff I get from others, so I don't really get it, but…

Ruggie: I definitely get the feel that you're enjoyin' yourself, so.

Cater: Ahaha. That prolly just means that Heartslabyul is the dorm that suits ya boi Cay-kun the best, I guess～

[Land of Dawning – National Museum of Art]

Cater: Oh hey, this is… a painting of a princess and price from a certain country riding a magical carpet on a date.

Ruggie: Uhh, right, and the prince invited the princess out, right?

Cater: Yep, yep. They say that these two weren't actually officially dating yet, either.

Cater: But, man… Don'tcha think it's a little embarrassing for them to have their dating life passed down in stories like this?

Ruggie: Y-yeah, now that you put it that way, I guess it could be a little… or maybe very embarrassing.

Cater: Riiiight～!? And on top of that, their backdrop is the night sky. Looks to me like just another generic date plan.

Ruggie: Oho, if you're gonna say it like that… You mean you'd have done things differently, Cater-san?

Cater: I mean, a nighttime view of the sky's not a bad choice… But if it was me, I prolly woulda chosen a super popular touristy attraction. What about you, Ruggie-kun?

Ruggie: Hmm, probably any park that I can get in for free. Though, if they're payin', then I'll go anywhere. I'd always be down for an all-you-can-eat buffet!

Cater: YOU'RE DEFINITELY JUST THINKING ABOUT YOURSELF THERE, HUH!? Not romantic at all…

Cater: …Oh hey! Look, Ruggie-kun. Lookin' at the painting closer, you can see the magical carpet handing him a flower. What a cute scamp～

Cater: Oh, that reminds me. I once received a flower from someone in the crowd after the Pop Music Club finished a set at the school's culture festival.

Ruggie: Eh, you're kidding!?

Ruggie: If we're talkin' about a Pop Music Club performance, that includes all the chaotic stuff like Lilia-san's screamo and stage divin', right…?

Ruggie: You tellin' me after all that, you actually have fans, and one of them even gave you a flower?

Ruggie: …Heh. Cater-san, even if ya wanna try to rewrite your bad experiences, ya shouldn't lie like that.

Cater: Hey, wait, Ruggie-kun, don't look at me with pity in your eyes! It really happened!

Ruggie: Suuure, so did they ask for your deets?

Cater: Nah, they ran off as soon as they handed me the flower.

Ruggie: Seeee～ No way they just ran off without gettin' a phone number off ya, that'd be a waste of givin' you the flower.

Cater: But why would I even give them my… Ah! Ruggie-kun, I think you're misunderstanding something.

Cater: The kid who gave me the flower was about 4 or 5 years old. And it was just some cute flowers they picked in the wild, too ♪

Ruggie: Eh… 4 or 5 years old?

Ruggie: ―Pfft, ahahahaha! S-Seriously? Man, suddenly, now that's just way too cute of a story…

Cater: Oh come on, you don't need to laugh about it that much. You're the one who misinterpreted it in the first place.

Ruggie: It's your fault I got confused, Cater-san. Like, we were literally just talkin' about dates 'n stuff right before.

Ruggie: But I think I get someone at that age enjoyin' themselves regardless of the actual music goin' on.

Ruggie: Or maybe it was love at first sight? That's the kinda age where ya might see cases of puppy love. You stunner, you～

Cater: Who knows? Whatever it was that they thought or felt…

Cater: I'm just happy to know there are people out there that think I'm pretty swell ☆

[Land of Dawning – National Museum of Art]

Cater: Oooh, I really like this painting of the King of Beasts～ He's so relaxed, it looks like we get to see him truly in his element.

Ruggie: Is he lounging on a rock? Amazin' that he can still look regal even when lazin' around.

Cater: Someone striking a cool pose makes a good painting, sure, but sometimes the natural look is pretty fresh, too.

Cater: It's got a pretty good style, without being too pretentious, if that makes sense…

Cater: And it super feels like if I snagged a pic of this moment and uploaded it to Magicam, it'd end up the top trending photo ever ☆

Ruggie: Oh yeah, speaking of, I saw that photo you uploaded just the other day got a ton of likes.

Ruggie: It just happened to come across my dash, so I don't really remember the context, but it was you with a cat in a pretty chic place.

Cater: Yay, you saw that!? Pretty sure that was when I snapped a pic with this one café's pet cat.

Cater: I like to visit café's, right. So on days off, I usually go and get lunch or drinks at places that catch my eye.

Ruggie: You go to a café whenever you get a day off!? That's gotta cost a ton!

Cater: Oh, no, it's not every day off! I'm just sayin' that I do it often, but there's days I just chill in my room, too.

Ruggie: Kinda feels like it'd be hard to pry you off your phone even on those kinda days, huh.

Cater: Ah, that obvious? Even if I'm just lounging in bed, you know I gotta check the 'cam ♪

Cater: I guess I also sometimes read whatever comic is currently popular, or play some games.

Ruggie: I wasn't expecting you to say you play games. Oh, is it like you have online friends you play with, or something?

Ruggie: There's a ton of co-op and pvp games out there, so.

Cater: Uhh, I don't really play those sorts of games.

Cater: Sometimes whenever I need to clear my head, I'll just play a puzzle game, or something that just has simple tasks.

Cater: One game that I've recently got into is one of those puzzles where objects fall down the screen…

Cater: And this one always has a lot of new characters, all cute and round and plush-lookin'.

Cater: I get a nice and fuzzy feeling just watching 'em go, so I don't really do good with the whole collecting items or raising my score, though.

Cater: Most of the time I'll end up falling asleep if I'm playing it while laying down and just wake up to terrible scores.

Ruggie: The fact that you're not houndin' for a high score, and just play for fun like that definitely sounds more like your speed.

Ruggie: Alllright, well, I've checked out all the art in this gallery, so I'm thinkin' of headin' to the next one. See ya, Cater-san. I'm off.

Cater: Okay, bye-bye, Ruggie-kun. Maybe I'll go check out the shop～ …Oh hey―

Cater: It's a painting showing that one story of the girl who fell adrift into the ocean, huh.

Cater: If I remember right, this girl drank some mystery drink and her whole body shrunk. Poor little thing.

Cater: She'd open her mouth before thinking and stick her neck into whatever she could… Seriously, what a meddling little girl～

Requested by @farfalla049.

[twilightmalachite]

2×2 - Children on the Streets 2

Author: Akira

Characters: Yuuta, Hinata. Nagisa, Shinobu

Translator: Mika Enstars

"You took something important away from me, Aniki…!"

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Season: Spring

Location: Downtown

Hinata: Welcome~! ☆

Nagisa: Fuhahaha! God shall give you a blessing! Today the ramen gyoza meal is 200 yen off!

Yuuta: A~ni~ki~….?

What? What is this? What does all this mean?

W-Why is it you guys are peddling for Master’s Chinese restaurant…?

Hinata: Oya, Yuuta-kun! It’s a small world after all, we encounter for the first time on day three, huh?

Happy to see ya! How ‘bout a kiss?

Yuuta: *ignores* Hey, can’t you answer my questions?

Why is it that you guys, for Master’s restaurant—

Hinata: What d’you mean “why”? We’ve been here since day one!

Yuuta: Huh? I don’t understand!

Isn’t this a living on the streets experience? You can’t freeload at a restaurant, it’s against the rules!

You’re a coward! And unfair! Like Rinne-senpai!

Hinata: Because there’s no such rule~?

Nagisa: Fuhahaha! T’was a fine play by Hinata to find a loophole in the rules! Worthy of God’s praise!

Yuuta: Ran-senpai, please shut up.

Nagisa: …Ah, right, sorry. I was trying to attract customers.

Shinobu: A wise decision. It’s best not to go against Yuuta-kun in this state.

Nagisa: …Yuuta-kun these days is scary sometimes. It’s just like Hiyori-kun when his smiles don’t reach his eyes.

Shinobu: Yuuta-kun’s mental state may be worse than usual because we’ve been having a pretty hard time on the streets…

Hinata: Well, I found it a bit dicey too, since it seemed to destroy the entire premise of “experience”, but…

There’s no way I could let Ran Nagisa, treasure of CosPro, do something like live a rough life on the streets—

We’ve been doing this since day one, and so far we haven’t received any flak from the producers or anything. So, I guess that means there’s no issue, right?

Yuuta: Rrggh? Anzu-san, do your job properly!

There are things you can and cannot do! And there’s no way I could rely on Master, he’s a rare “adult worthy of respect” to me!

You took something important away from me, Aniki…!

Hinata: Eh~? But when I spoke to Master about our situation, he said, “That sounds rough. You’re welcome to stay here as long as you like.”

Yuuta: Does Master have the full picture of what we’re doing? That we’re filming for a program—

Hinata: Hmm? From what it looks like, I don’t think he’s even aware that we’ve become idols.

He’s always in a world of his own, doing his own thing as usual.

Yuuta: Well, that does sound like Master… He’s lived his entire life surviving solely on his good nature and his skills in martial arts and cooking.

Shinobu: I think that’s all one needs.

Hmm. I (se-)… I (boku) am not too familiar with him, just who is this Master of yours?

Yuuta: I told you how when we were kids, we ran away from our toxic parent, right?

Master was the one who offered us protection at that time, providing for us without asking any questions.

He’s a man of some unknown age that’s been running a Chinese restaurant in this area downtown for a long time, by the way. His Japanese is a bit dicey at times, he might be a foreigner.

Hinata: He’s such a kind guy, you know~, he taught us how to cook and do street performances, which we hadn’t known how to back then. Well, he’s a good samaritan for sure.

—But, this good samaritan of our Master seems to have gotten in a bit of trouble.

Yuuta: Huh, what do you mean? If Master’s facing some sort of trouble, I can’t ignore that either. Can you elaborate?

Hinata: Hm~, well, I don’t want to involve you and Shinobu-kun too much, Yuuta-kun.

Yuuta: You’re always like this, Aniki. You’re not the only one here with history with Master, so tell me about what’s going on.

Nagisa: …If Hinata-kun finds it hard to say, then I will instead.

…But. This might not be the type of thing we can talk about on the streets, in front of rolling cameras.

…Being so careless will bring trouble to the restaurant.

Hinata: Right! Please cut the cameras for now~! Wherever you guys are filming from right now!

Nagisa: …Fufu. I was thinking maybe to sit down and talk inside the restaurant. It’s just outside of lunchtime, so there are empty seats.

Hinata: I mean, that’s why we were attracting customers!

Yuuta: I don’t quite understand, but… Hmm, guess this is gonna be some complicated story again, isn’t it?

[ ☆ ]

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[lycanlovingvampyre]

MAG 111 Relisten

Activity on my first listen: putting up a new fence

I think this actually might be my absolute favorite episode... Also, I always considered this episode to be a "Schlüssel Episode" because it unlocks (heh) so many mysteries, answers so many questions! It took me way too long to make the connection... Schlüssel means key. Keay... (I wonder if this was intentional and planned, or a very happy coincidence. Having graduated from an art high school I know these coincidences actually happen a lot!)

Yeah, le me, who couldn't pay attention to the statement in MAG 4 or MAG 62 in detail still had no idea what was happening when Jon and the Hunters talked about the book. It only clicked when I heard Jon read Gerry's death.

JON: "She was there sometimes, the one he had followed around the world. There was almost sadness in her eyes." Not even Gertrude was immune to Gerry's charm :) God, why is he so perfect...

Okay, so some thoughts on Gerry's appearance! I know there is a discussion about him potentially looking like he did when he died, so in a hospital gown, possibly with a shaven head, no piercings etc. While that would be a look that fits the tragedy theme of TMA, I don't think that is the case. I think it works like in The Matrix. "Residual self-image". The appearance of the summoned dead will look like the mental projection of their ghost self. Now why do I come to this conclusion. Simple. MAG 154. Gertrude did not notice anything when she spoke with book!Eric. She did not suspect that he blinded himself. His mental projection probably looked like he did, when he worked for Gertrude - without damaged eyes. Why did Mary look so different though? Gerry says in this episode, that the ritual of binding herself to the book was only half finished and left her damaged. Probably that's why she has Sanskrit all over her. There's a novel by the German author Cornelia Funke, Inkheart. In this book the protagonist (and a few others) can bring book characters to life by reading them. When such a person wasn't skilled enough at reading them to life, the characters came to life damaged. In the film version they had this effect, that these characters will still have residual text all over their body.

I love the ghostly echo!

Why did Gerry ask Jon for a cigarette? Is he just the typical goth who smokes and asks everyone and eventually he'll find one or did Jon have a package somehow sticking out of a pocket? Either way... The Web's addiction got them to talk.

GERRY: "Nice lighter. You a spider freak, then?" JON: "What? Oh! Er, no. I-I never really, uh… I never really thought of it." That slippery little thing...

GERRY: "Good. Don’t think she would have wanted that. God, I can’t imagine her dying in bed." The way he says that makes me believe he did care for her.

GERRY: "Yeah, the world changes in horrible ways. For you. I’m a book." JON: "You can’t be serious." GERRY: "I’m dead serious." Such. A. Mood.

JON: "Just one. How do I stop the Unknowing?” GERRY: [Casually] "Nah, I don’t know." JON: [Incensed] "What?!" Lmao! Also their dynamic is sooo good!

The voice actor is so perfect. That audible edginess!

GERRY: "Huh. Do you like it*?" JON: "I-I don’t know. I never really thought about it. Yes, I… I suppose I do." (*the compulsion ability) That's why he's the perfect candidate. Tbf it seems like quite a handy ability...

GERRY: "Not when I was with her. She travelled light. Left things behind." Saying: Left me behind and I didn't think she would do that...

GERRY: "Thing is, it’s harder than it looks. What’s out there… doesn’t care about blood." JON: "Well, I-I mean, except for the vampires…" GERRY: "Yeah, obviously except for the vampires." Pffft...

GERRY: "But they care about your choices, your fears, not your parents. Families are just useful ‘cause they can push you in the right direction. And the Lukases are very good at that." This sentence means so much in regards to Jon and Martin. It's about the choices... I mean we absolutely know that a lot about Jon's story was about choices. But that bit about the Lukases being good at pushing people in the right direction? Just think about Peter and Martin...

JON: "And I imagine they’re not… reluctant to remove any members that might put that legacy at risk." Throwback to MAG 13...

JON: "Er… Statement of Gerard Keay, deceased, regarding the death of his mother, Mary Keay." He does it there, the Knowing of what the statement will be about. Gerry did not specify, that it would be about her death...

GERRY: "I never knew my dad. Not really. He worked in the Archives like you, but quit once I was born." ADFHDFKLFHG!!!! Worked in the Archives?! QUIT?! I didn't catch that when I was first listening, but when I listened to this episode again, it struck me! This was the reason why I looked up the discussion thread of MAG 111 in the TMA sub (like I said in the last episode). I wanted to know what people said about this when the episode came out, what theories people would weave. Turns out... nothing! I couldn't find a single comment talking about this! WTF?

GERRY: "so she killed him in his sleep to practice her bookbinding. I guess she failed. I always thought he was in here, but when I eventually got hold of it, there wasn’t a page in there." I wonder if Gertrude ever thought about telling him. I mean, in the end it made no difference. She had burned the page years ago.

You know what? Writing down that last bullet point made me think. The characters in TMA have so much depth. They are exceptionally well written and perfectly portrayed by their voice actors. They feel so real. It's kind of daft to wonder "Oh, did that character ever think about blabla" because they are not real people! Of course they didn't, they don't exist. But because they have so much depth, they feel like actual people and that's why these questions pop into my mind.

GERRY: " The best you could hope for from them, would be that they don’t spot you, and instead my mum chased after them, obsessed with others who had tried to stare at them without being blinded: y’know, Flamsteed, Smirke, Leitner." Second time the name Flamsteed was casually thrown around...

GERRY: "Idiots who destroyed themselves chasing a secret that wasn’t worth knowing. And the worst thing was, she marked me as a part of that, without my understanding. Or consent." Is this meant to be about Mary bringing him into these circles who were close to horrible things or him being Eye-aligned?

GERRY: "I think… I think I finally understand why she brought me back. I just don’t understand why she left me behind." I heard the idea of Gertrude's intention, that she thought binding him would prevent Gerry from rising as an Avatar. But is being a book so much better?

The famous color analogy! It works so perfectly though, some colors being similar, some clashing with each other... But all part of the spectrum.

GERRY: "I mean, you could see them all as just one thing," Ah yes, the thing Leitner and Gerry have in common. Foreshadowing of the Fears being one thing after all!

GERRY: "No. There aren’t any god-like powers of hope, or love, or indigestion, or whatever. At least not that I’ve seen. Just fear. I don’t know why." And still they work to use them to escape. Thinking of a beloved person will ground you, make you feel less fear and the Fears will leave you alone, when they are not getting anything out of you. Same with hope, that statement-giver in MAG 66, seeing a small shimmer of light or the ability to slightly move as hope and not to give up on it instead of surrendering themself to the despair of never quite reaching an escape.

GERRY: "Some say, or well, they guess, that it could bring other entities through with them." Again, foreshadowing!

JON: "And if one of the rituals succeeds?" GERRY: "The world becomes a factory farm." And that is why I wear a Fear Factory bandshirt for my Gerry cosplay.

JON: "Why would anyone want that? I-I mean, there are people, or they used to be people, who are trying to do this. Why?" Capitalism analogy? A handful of people are alright with dooming the world just for more money, more power...

GERRY: "Uh, the Rite of the Watcher’s Crown. It’s what she called the ritual for the Eye. She didn’t tell me much about that one, just that she knew how to take care of it." This kinda sounds like the Watcher's Crown is the upcoming ritual of the Eye. But isn't there a discussion, that the Watcher's Crown was Jonah's prison ritual? I mean, Jonah talks about being a king of a ruined world in MAG 160. So the crown symbolism would fit.

I love how the whole fandom immediately went with Gerry's wish and just calls him by his nickname.

@a-mag-a-day