#the organization. who's now increasingly bitter

[bookwyrminspiration]

What if when Sophie came to the lost cities the black swan had been overthrown, and their leaders arrested. So by the time she arrived, she doesn’t have that same support. I think it’d take the story in a crazy, but fun new direction.

oh that would be very interesting--not only would she have significantly less guidance at the start of the series, but depending on how the Black Swan were handled, the attitude towards Sophie could be quite different; she'd be the product of known convicted criminals, not just the odd human girl.

She was observed when she first arrived, but I imagine that would've been much more intense in this situation. I wonder when she would've arrived, actually. Because Alden didn't find Sophie by his own work, Mr. Forkle led him to her. So without him, when on earth would Sophie have been brought to their world? Would they have discovered that sort of information through a mind break and located her around the same time, or would years pass?

I'm imagining the Mr. Forkle who posed as her neighbor might've escaped being arrest, which would create an interesting dynamic with her having one singular influence and resource.

But that aside, without the rest of the Black Swan able to work masterfully behind the scenes, there'd be no notes, no clues to prompt hidden memories. It would require a lot more work on Sophie's part to figure things out--which, depending on when she was brought to the lost cities and how (agreeing it was the best decision vs council forcing her, for example), she may or may not be capable of.

I'm also curious how that would impact her morals and sense of right; we see her learning from and guided by the Black Swan for most of the series before she branches out, following their methodology and beliefs on the limits. If they were never there, what's stopping her from going a step further much sooner? Especially if she's being more heavily monitored/judged and in order to make any impact she has to push harder--side note: I feel like in that case she might become similar to Tam in her disdain, she didn't do anything but exist and need help and this is what they did?

Would she be allowed to attend Foxfire with a significant association with a serious criminal organization? Even if she hasn't done anything yet, she might. And if she doesn't go to Foxfire (or is too old when brought), her friend group would be entirely different. She might not even have a friend group and it would instead be her against the world, perhaps a few misfits gathered along the way. Fitz might still be around because he found her, but Biana might stay bratty. She wouldn't meet Marella or Jensi, and she wouldn't have been adopted by the Ruewens (because confirmed huge Black Swan association when he thinks they killed Jolie? no way) so no meeting Dex. If she doesn't go to Foxfire, I could see them sending her to Exillium, in which case she might keep Tam and Linh as friends--but with a very different dynamic, since I think Sophie would be incredibly bitter.

Actually now that I'm thinking about this maybe she'd be picked up by the Neverseen. At least temporarily and in the same way that Rayni was--not that she's for their atrocities, but because they extended a hand when no one else did. Which!! Could then be an interesting exploration on how she wasn't a criminal, but via seeing her as one/as dangerous they limited her options and made her into one. She wouldn't have joined the Neverseen if they'd treated her properly, but they didn't, so now she did. Except they don't see it as their fault, as a consequence of their boxing her in, but instead as confirmation of what they always feared.

indeed, Nonsie, there is a lot of potential for a very different but fascinating story here. I've barely scratched the surface of all the implications and everything you could do with it!

[dulltoned]

Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three | Chapter Four | Chapter Five | Chapter Six | Chapter Seven

Branch is off his game. Ever since that nightmare a few nights back he's been all out of sorts and his inability to get himself back on track is only making him increasingly upset. Floyd came by yesterday to ask him where he kept his extra pencils and Branch had to hold his tongue to keep from biting the poor troll's head off. He's been able to keep up appearances so far but he can feel himself unraveling and knows that it's only a matter of time before he snaps. Sleep hasn't come any easier either. Every night it's been something new and every night after he bolts awake with his heart thumping wildly in his chest the fear is chased away by a boiling anger. This is ridiculous. He is a grown troll in a happy relationship. He was in the middle of reconciling with his brothers and it was even going well, all things considered. Despite that, he was still falling apart at the seams. No matter what he did it didn't seem like he could keep it together for more than a few months at a time and he was tired of it.

He was supposed to be better now. It's been over a year since he got his colors back and while they might not be as bright as they were, not when he was a kid and not when they'd first returned, he was still a soft blue instead of a cold gray. He was happy. At least he was supposed to be. He knows that it's stupid to think that a few great months of wavering joy was going to erase years of loneliness and trauma but he can't understand why he's doing so poorly now of all times.

He has his brothers back. The same brothers he spent years of his life waiting for. The brothers he dug out rooms in his bunker for. That he handcrafted whole furniture sets for when he was just a kid in the pathetic hope that they'd be grateful and stay. They're here, they're staying in his bunker like he'd always dreamed about when he was just a trolling, and somehow he still finds himself filled to the brim with resentment sometimes. Some days he wakes up knowing that if he leaves his room he'll have to come face-to-face with his siblings and all he can feel is bitterness and anger. He'll find himself standing on the edge of a conversation, watching them laugh with each other like nothing was wrong, meanwhile, all he can think about is how they all came back but it wasn't for him. They never cared that he was alone, that they abandoned him and he had no one, they only cared that Floyd was in danger. The worst part is that he gets it. He's hurt that they never thought of him but he understands. Floyd has always been the one that connected them. Floyd brought them together and Branch could never hope to do that. He hates that it makes him angry. He hates himself for being mad at Floyd for being enough when he had clearly never meant anything to them.

Some days he can't even look at his brothers without wanting to tear them apart. He'll see a glimpse of their hair around the corner and he'll have to flee before he went off, demanding apologies he wasn't sure he was due. He'll be so infuriated that they left him. Pissed that the only one who ever came back was John Dory and it was only for a cursory glance at a long abandoned Troll Tree. Devastated and enraged that Floyd said he'd come back and never did.

He wishes he wasn't so angry. It sits in his chest like a ball of fire and pulses with a fury that he couldn't possibly ignore. It contrasts with the dread emptying out a pit in his stomach so starkly it feels like it might consume him.

Branch closes his eyes and lets himself breathe in the quiet of the morning, trying in vain to untangle the emotions coiled up inside of him. He's grateful that he's planned today out. He doesn't want any free time to lose himself to his inner turmoil and he definitely doesn't want to give anyone a chance to push him over the edge. He was looking forward to getting together with Poppy that afternoon. They hadn't seen each other for more than a few minutes since last week and he was sure that just a few hours with her would inevitably quiet the cacophony inside of him. He really needed a normal day not centered around his brothers. So, he carefully planned to get most of his errands and favors out of the way in one go.

He climbs out of bed and stretches, shaking out the stiffness still clinging to his limbs from his latest nightmare. It wasn't a particularly bad dream he doesn't think, he doesn't even remember it now, but it's left him tired and tense all the same. He goes through his morning routine as quickly as possible before making his way up the stairs in hopes of grabbing something for breakfast. He's nearly to the entrance of the kitchen when he freezes. The soft clinking of a spoon stirring inside of a cup reaches his ears and he assumes that Floyd is likely up early making tea again. Usually he doesn't mind when he and Floyd cross paths in the early mornings, more often than not he actually really enjoys the quiet company, but the idea of seeing Floyd right now makes him want to scream.

He continues his trek up the stairs with more caution than before and quickly passes right by the kitchen. He doesn't need to stop. He can just grab something to eat later. The growing pit in his stomach left no room for his appetite anyway.

___

By the time noon rolls around Branch is actually feeling pretty good about things. He's still caught in his simmering anger but he's spent the day being productive out in the sun and it's lifted his spirits enough that he feels almost normal again. He's just finished putting away a few more jars of an antibiotic sap he'd been out in the forest collecting and he still had plenty of time to make it to his meet-up with Poppy. Most of the other trolls still give him his space even though Poppy's been trying to integrate him into the day-to-day for the past few years so he's left blissfully to his own devices as he makes his way across the village. The sun is high in the sky, filtering through the trees and scattering the floor with patches of cool shadow, and Branch peacefully tilts his head up into the glow.

It's not long until he spots the bright pink of Poppy's pod and he's not ashamed to say that he picks up the pace to make it there quicker. He's across the village in record time, making swift work of the short climb up to Poppy's vibrant home. He barely manages to get his feet on the ground before he's bodily tackled by a pink and blue blur. Poppy's happy squeal rings in his ears and he's helpless to stop the bright smile from spreading across his face as his arms instinctively wrap around her shoulders. He swings her around with ease, burying his face into her soft hair and sharing a laugh with the light of his life. The hug ends too quickly for Branch's liking.

Poppy grabs him by the shoulders and holds him at arm's length, her smile still a beacon of sunshine on her face as she eagerly glances him up and down. "Ugh, it's been forever," She complains dramatically, face twisting into a playful pout that did nothing to dim the mirth in her eyes.

Branch snorts, grinning back at her without a second thought, and rolls his eyes, "We saw each other a few days ago." He's so happy to see her. How hard these last few days have been has just made the time he's gone without her feel even more like torture. Poppy was never one to let him stay inside his head, even before they'd become real friends she's always been so determined to help him get out of his shell. It's why he started falling for her long before they'd ventured to Bergen Town together. Her willpower, her sharp wit, her unwavering support for him. She never gave up on him, even when he tried to force her hand. The more she's learned about him the more caring she's become. She's gentle now when she tries to dig him out of his ruts and understanding when all he needs is some time to himself. He can't ever express to her how grateful he is for everything she's given him. He feels lighter now talking with her than he has in weeks.

"Yeah, for like fifteen minutes," She scoffs, "That's not nearly enough time, Branch!" Her eyes narrow, her playful expression taking on a note of something more serious when she more carefully looks him over. Her hands squeeze his shoulders reassuringly and he wants to melt into the touch. "How're things going over there?" She presses cautiously.

Branch shrugs, reaching up and wrapping a loose hand around her wrist, "They're going," He dismisses easily. He doesn't really want to think about it right now. He doesn't know how to tell her that he feels like a ghost in his own home. That he's hopeful and scared all at once over what he could have. Her eyes lock onto his and he knows she won't let this go. He sighs, allowing himself to sag into her touch, "Really, it's fine. I'm just caught up on some stuff."

Poppy visibly hesitates and Branch wishes he could know what was going on inside her mind. It'd be so much easier to navigate these conversations if he just knew what exactly Poppy wanted from him. "Okay," She settles on after a few moments, her thumbs rubbing comforting circles against his shoulders, "I'm sorry I've been so busy recently but if you need anything I'm here for you, okay?"

Branch smiles, expression painfully smitten, "I know." He assures, squeezing her wrist. "You're already doing a lot." Because she is. Her being here, supporting him, it's like she's lifted the weight that's been crushing him and she's given him a chance to breathe.

Though it takes his breath away watching her expression soften the way it does. He's noticed that she only ever looks like this with him. The happy crinkle around her eyes smooths out and her lips form this soft, loving smile and she just looks so overwhelmingly fond it never fails to plant a pocket of warmth beneath his ribs. "Okay," She nods, squeezing his shoulders again, "Thank you for letting me be here for you."

Branch shakes his head, "Thank you for wanting to be there for me." He shoots back. It's still such a foreign idea to him it catches him by surprise every time. She's always so happy to drop everything for him like he matters. When it comes to Poppy, he's starting to think he might.

"Always," Poppy promises. Promises like that are so easy for her but she's learned with time that they mean everything to him. She lets her arms drop to her sides as she rocks back on her heels, "So," She drawls, another wide smile spreading across her face, "I might have a surprise for you." She's already getting caught in her own excitement, arms starting to swing back and forth while she tries in vain to contain her joy.

"Oh?" He cocks an amused eyebrow as he watches her energy build. This was exactly what he needed after the week that he's had. He may not be ready to open that particular can of worms but Poppy released some of the pressure building up inside of him.

Poppy nods, reaching forward and grabbing his hand, "Yep! Just follow my lead, I have it all planned out," She sweeps her other arm in front of her as she drags him along. "I cleared my whole afternoon and everything! It'll just be you and me." She turns to look at him over her shoulder as she leads him expertly down from her pod. His heart is turning to a puddle in his chest and he feels safe in the bubble that Poppy's carefully crafted just for the two of them. She was so unbearably kind he didn't know what to do about it most of the time. She was terribly busy and most of the time that worked for them but either she had missed him or she'd seen that he needed some time away from his bunker, or possibly even both, and she'd planned something special out just for him. He was so incredibly lucky to have her.

He holds her hand tight and listens as she rambles, talking about her latest duties, how Viva was acclimating to Troll Village, and how her friends were doing. He's so overcome with adoration that he cuts her off before she can go into detail about Satin and Chenille's latest fashion project. "I love you," he says and her words stumble to a stop. She stops in her tracks and stares at him not with surprise but with that same fondness reserved just for him. They stand in the middle of Troll Village hand-in-hand and his weak heart flutters when she responds.

"I love you too," She chirps, bouncing on her toes and leaning forward to place a soft kiss on his cheek before she drags him off again. He loses himself in her voice, following merrily after her without so much as a glance around, but he doesn't have to wait long to figure out where they're going. He can already see their destination set up next to the trunk of a large tree and his heart simply melts at the sight. Things came more into focus as they got closer and he took in the pink and white checkered blanket smoothed out across the grass, a bright yellow picnic basket and a large pitcher of what looked like lemonade settled neatly on top. "I know today was probably busy for you since you've been holed up with your brothers so much recently! I figured a nice lunch would be a good idea." Poppy explains, watching him for his reaction when they come to a stop at the edge of the blanket.

"It sounds great," Branch agrees readily, basking in the glow of her smile as she absolutely lights up. She pumps a fist in the air, celebrating a surprise well done, and leaps over to the basket to start unpacking their meal. He follows at a much slower pace and settles himself down on the blanket across from her. He watches lovingly as she pulls out muffins and little sandwiches and even a side of chips and dip. He takes the glasses from her silently and pours their drinks. Poppy playfully swats at his hands, insisting that it was her job to get everything ready, but he only tisks and tells her that maybe she should have been faster then.

It's while he's sipping at his lemonade feeling more at peace than he has in quite a long while, since before he reunited with his brothers even, that their bubble is broken. "Poppy!" A shout startles him and he only barely manages to avoid spilling his drink all over himself. He whips his head around to see Viva running over at an impressive speed, a bright and giddy smile on her face. She barrels into her sister and Branch grabs Poppy's drink before they go tumbling to prevent another almost-mess.

"Viva," Poppy greets cheerfully, returning her sister's tight embrace, "Can this wait--?" She tries to ask but the blonde troll interrupts, likely too caught in whatever has her so excited to be paying too much attention.

"There is this fantast-amazing little smoothie place over by the grove," Viva bounces in place, visibly shaking in her delight, "It looks so good, like so good, and we have to go because I didn't want to go without you! Come on!" Viva reaches out and grabs Poppy's arm, pulling the Queen to her feet and dragging her away before either of them could get another word in. Viva looks back at him over her shoulder and waves excitedly, "Bye Branch! It was nice to see you!" And just like that he's sat all alone at a picnic for two. It's just like Viva to come rushing in only to disappear just as quickly. The whiplash she left in her wake was overshadowed this time by the sudden wave of bitterness that crashed into him. He'd lost himself so completely in the bliss that Poppy brought him that her sudden absence was absolutely crushing. Everything that he'd let slip away for the past half hour or so was back in a flash and for a moment it overwhelmed him.

He just sat there, one glass of lemonade raised in each hand, staring blankly in the direction that the royal trolls had disappeared. The bitterness turns to sorrow which quickly morphs into anger. It's always easier to be angry than it is to be sad and he knows he has a bad habit of masking his more vulnerable emotions with his rage but he doesn't know how to stop and now is no different. His eyes burn and he blinks away the tears that are too eager to form. With nothing left to do Branch cleans up. He pours the lemonade back into the pitcher and carefully packs away all the food that Poppy had so generously brought out here just for him. He can't help but be furious with Viva, angrier than he knows he should be, but he had been so relaxed for once and she had inadvertently ripped that away from him with a smile on her face. He moves the basket and the pitcher to the side and picks up the blanket with shaking hands, scowling down at the soft cloth while he meticulously folds it up and places it gently on top of the basket.

He had other things to do today. He had a long list of chores that he had been ready to get done. He can't even imagine doing them now. His entire day down the drain because of one little incident. He scoffs, rolling his eyes as he picks up the basket and the pitcher and starts the journey across the village back toward his bunker, his whole life was just a long series of little incidents, though, wasn't it? Failure after failure, mistake after mistake, let down after let down. He shouldn't have been surprised that his moment of happiness was fleeting. If anything, he should have expected it. He's given a wider birth than usual by the other trolls as he storms through the village and beneath all his bubbling rage he's grateful no one will get close enough for him to snap at them.

He knows his quick retreat probably wasn't the best idea. Poppy will get a word in sooner rather than later and she'll go rushing back to the picnic in an attempt to pick things back up where she'd left off, apology and a bubbly laugh on her tongue. Even though he wants nothing more than to finish his afternoon with her he doesn't think he'll make good company right now. His mood was already ruined and he doesn't think even Poppy could lift him out of this spiral. It's just the accumulation of too much crashing down on him at once.

He enters the bunker as quickly as he can, trying not to let his already cracked composure shatter when he has to wait for the elevator. He can feel everything building, bubbling up and up and up until it's moments from boiling over and he doesn't want to deal with this right now. He was supposed to have a good day. His blood feels like fire in his veins and his eyes are still burning and he wishes more than anything he knew how to release the constantly rising pressure but nothing ever feels like it's enough. The elevator comes to a stop on the bottom floor and Branch makes straight for his room. He needed to get away from anything and anyone that could possibly set him off before he did something he'd regret.

"Oh, hey, what's the rush?" JD's voice breaks through the storm. Branch turns his head to see John sitting in the cozy alcove where he keeps all of Poppy's invitations tucked neatly away behind the curtains. He's sat at the table there tinkering with something or other, probably for Rhonda. "Is that for the Pop Star?" John's eyes look down to the picnic supplies still grasped in Branch's hands. He wiggles his eyebrows playfully and suddenly Branch sees red.

"Don't," He seethes through gritted teeth, exhaling sharply in a futile attempt to calm himself down. The burning in his eyes gets worse and he furiously blinks away the tears but they're forming too fast now for it to do him any good. The angry shake in his arms from a grip far too tight shifts to a pathetic tremble and he's lucky he can keep hold of the basket clutched in his fist.

"Woah, hey," John Dory stands up. His face is twisted with concern and Branch feels his heart breaking because how long had he wanted that? How long had he been alone, taking care of himself, imagining what it'd be like for his big brother to come in and help him? How long had he held out hope that his brothers would come back and look at him like that? "What's going on? what happened?" John moves around the table and starts to come closer.

Branch takes a few hurried steps back, "Don't," he repeats but his voice cracks and he's losing his grip on the anger that's supposed to protect him. It's slipping quickly through his fingers and leaving only the sorrow and panic that thrummed beneath and he feels terrifyingly exposed. "Do not--" He sneers, "Leave me the hell alone." He tries to sound firm but he hears how his voice trembles. John Dory looks lost and Branch takes that opportunity to turn on his heel and hurry off to his room. He slams the door behind him. Poppy's picnic drops from clumsy fingers and he tries desperately to hold himself together.

Days of barely holding on and he's finally reached his breaking point. What does it matter? He'll just have to put himself back together again anyway.

[womanlifefreedom]

account restored

I'm writing with an update: my account was terminated weeks ago without warning, notice, or reason. My main tumblr was wiped out and because of that, I couldn't log in to update this one. My account appears to have been reinstated (for now). In case I am booted off again, please know that I appreciate everyone sharing information about what is happening in Iran <3

My time away from Tumblr also made me reevaluate my relationship to this platform so to be honest, I am not sure that I will continue this blog. But for now, I do wish to share news that the rapper Toomaj has been sentenced to death. There are ongoing protests worldwide in addition to the celebrity support and I would encourage readers to seek out further actions. On that note, I also have some more personal thoughts under the cut.

As I write, people around the world are mobilizing against a genocide in Gaza and we are witnessing an undeniable sea change in international solidarity. It's a change that may prove to be more disruptive to our current global system of nation states and capitalist exploitation than the covid-19 pandemic. I am seeing a stronger level of rigour and structure from organizers who may be responding to the bitter lessons of the leaderless and spontaneous uprisings of the 2010s - many of which resulted in increasingly authoritarian governments taking power (Egypt, Brazil, etc.).

If the Iranian Revolution of 1979 teaches us anything, it is this: that horrific things can and will take root in the cracks that a revolution causes and that would go against all revolutionary demands. When a power structure topples, there will be power grabs and those who know that the surest and fastest way to seize power from the masses is to sell us seductive fantasies of safety, order, belonging, dignity and everything that capitalism strips from us by alienating us from ourselves. Such groups will leverage everything at their disposal - religions, art, technologies, science, psychology, weaponry - to benefit themselves and those useful to them while exploiting our fear of uncertainty and stoking our distrust of each other. They will come from all directions and we must remain vigilant.

The thing is, the world cannot be made safe. Especially the world we live in today, a world that is convulsing in the grips of a climate catastrophe. The only solid ground we have now is a willingness to acknowledge our radical dependency on each other and to embrace how one's own fate is intimately bound to the fate of others and that of the world...

Thanks for reading and please take care 🙏

[heliads]

Your fics are amazing!! I especially love the Unwind ones! :) Can I request an angsty what-if fic where Connor doesn't go deliver his letter and is there when Nelson finds the antique shop? I don't know how specific you want me to be in my request, but a fight scene between Connor and Nelson would be cool (Nelson deserves to be punched). Thank you!

yes...YESSSSS

'guess that's growing up' - connor lassiter

masterlist

warnings: blood, violence, death

Five years ago, if you had asked Connor Lassiter where he thought he’d end up in life, he wouldn’t have said the basement of an antique shop. He certainly wouldn’t have expected to be in that same basement twice in the span of a few years. Life has a way of throwing you a few curveballs. It isn’t Connor’s fault if he can’t help but follow their winding paths until he ends up exactly where he started.

It isn’t like he’s back to square one. It can’t be, after all the friends he’s made and lost. Still, it’s hard to shake the feeling that he keeps getting dragged back home. As a kid, he’d always dreamed of running away and making it big, and then he’d actually had to run away when he found out he was going to be unwound. Now he’s back in Ohio, and although Connor finally has a hope for the end of unwinding thanks to the Rheinschild organ printer, he knows as surely as anyone that if this doesn’t work, the last of his luck might finally have run out. He was born here almost eighteen years ago, and he might just die here too.

Connor tries to keep his emotions light, but it’s hard, especially after being stuck in Sonia’s basement for far too many days. It took forever for them to leave the first time, and now he’s wondering how long they’ll spend trapped inside the lightless cellar now. Maybe someone will come down here decades in the future and find his old, brittle bones propped up in a corner someplace, the Akron AWOL reduced to a skeleton with a white, wiry beard like in the cartoons he used to watch as a kid.

So no, he’s not exactly doing a great job of staying optimistic, but it’s hard to get up the energy to converse with the other scared unwinds down here when he knows how this is going to end. It’s not his first rodeo. Nothing gets better before it gets worse again. Why take the time to memorize everyone’s name and favorite color if they’re just going to get ripped apart again in a matter of months? Connor might as well spare himself the heartache. If they do get unwound after all, some future client would probably appreciate it if Connor’s heartstrings were tugged as little as possible.

It’s not a funny thing to think about, but Connor’s sense of humor has gotten increasingly jagged and sarcastic as of late, if it wasn’t already bitter in the first place. When he tries to be funny, he just ends up cutting to the bone. He’s not Hayden. He’s never been good at making the jokes land when he needs them the most.

Hell, maybe that’s what’s unsettling him the most about being back here. If it weren’t enough to see the same familiar shadowy walls and low ceiling (look, there’s the place he gouged his initials in the corner two years ago), Connor has to do all of it not only with new faces but with the ghosts of the former ones. 

Thinking about who had been here with him before makes his stomach roil with guilt and regret. Roland is unwound now; Connor has his arm and is starting to understand his surly temperament, his gut reaction to snap at everything around him instead of smiling. Mai became a clapper and blew up Happy Jack; Lev was there with her, chemicals in his veins, but saved himself when she didn’t. Hayden is still alive, hopefully, although Connor hasn’t seen him in ages; he misses Hayden’s sense of humor most of all.

The only repeated characters in the basement are Risa and himself, but even they are so fundamentally transformed from who they’d been at the start that they could be different people entirely. Connor isn’t sure that he’s at all recognizable as Connor Lassiter anymore. He has the same skin, or most of it, but that’s the end of the similarities. Connor is left wondering how everything changed so drastically over two years, which leaves him in a state of hazy dread.

And then, of course– well, there’s the letter, and that blows everything else out of the water.

Sonia still has his letter, the one she’d had him write to his parents when he first showed up at her antique store. All of the notes from past unwinds she’s harbored are still here. The thought unsettles him more than Connor would care to admit. Even if the kids who wrote them are long since stripped of their parts, dead and gone or maybe somehow still alive, their writing is still here. He wonders if his handwriting has changed since he wrote it last. If Connor saw a few sentences of his letter, could he recognize it as his own, or is even that last hallmark of the boy he’d been gone from him forever?

Connor can’t help but obsess over every detail. It’s hard not to when Sonia keeps bringing it up. He’s not sure if she thinks he’s dramatically different from the boy he’d been, but she must want him to return to that former version of himself somehow, because she’s offered for him to hand deliver the letter to his parents. In fact, she seems rather put off by the fact that he hasn’t leapt at the chance.

It’s not the first time in his life that Connor doesn’t have the right answer, and just like every other impossible choice, Connor isn’t even sure that there is a right way to go about this. He can take his letter to his parents, the people who had him unwound in the first place. He can be the bigger person and forgive them for wanting him clinically dismembered. Maybe, after time, they’ll even be able to move on from it and grow back together again.

Or, far more tempting still, Connor can let his resentment stand as firm and impenetrable as a fortress. This is the choice that calls to him the most. Why should he forgive them? It’s up to his parents to reach out to them first, even if they have no idea if he’s still alive nor how to contact them. Connor is not the one who wanted his own flesh and blood unwound. There’s no reason for the responsibility of breaching the immovable gap between himself and his family to fall on his shoulders.

Still, the Objective Right Thing to do is to give them the letter. Connor knows this, in a shifting, sinking feeling in his stomach, like when you tell your first big lie as a kid even though you know it’s wrong. Connor should meet his parents again. Probably.

Problem is, he doesn’t want to. The anger may not be as white-hot as it had been when Connor first found out he was going to be unwound, but it’s still there, simmering beneath his skin like a stovetop that wasn’t turned off properly. He isn’t going to burn down the house, not yet, but the possibility is there.

Risa would support him in this, Connor knows that. She immediately advocated against it, citing the immense risk posed by leaving their hiding place in Sonia’s basement. She doesn’t know the conflict in Connor’s heart quite as well as the terror of getting caught by the Juvenile Authority, though. She never had a family to love and loathe like this, and although Connor hates to say it, this will be the one time her advice won’t be as picture perfect as usual.

Sonia can sense this hesitation, and she’s been even pushier than usual in an attempt to convince him to visit his parents. At one point earlier today, Connor was helping her bring down some groceries when she asked him again when he was planning on leaving.

“I’m not going,” Connor had complained angrily, and immediately felt like a kid throwing a temper tantrum because his favorite shirt was in the wash or something stupid like that. So many unwinds here would kill for a chance to see their parents again, and here he is practically frothing at the mouth at the thought of it.

Sonia had raised her eyebrows at that, but said nothing, for once. Connor had lugged the last of the bags down and sat in silence, fuming, until he finally cooled off again. He feels bad for snapping at Sonia like that, especially when she’s risking her life for him by harboring unwinds right underneath her shop, but not bad enough to deliver the letter.

Sonia doesn’t usually check up on them during the day, electing to preserve her ruse by manning the counter of the antique shop, so Connor assumes he’ll have all day to practice an apology before she checks up on them after closing time. Maybe he’ll write her a letter. He could both thank her for shoving him in her basement for so many weeks and also say he’s sorry for being an ass. He probably owes a lot of people similar letters. He’s been an ass many times.

Connor is idly monitoring the sounds upstairs, waiting to tell when Sonia will come down again so he can have his statement ready, when he first hears the loud thump. Noise isn’t uncommon up above; customers buying large objects can be heard huffing and puffing as they drag their purchases to the door. However, this sounds wrong. The voices Connor makes out through the dusty floorboards don’t sound like people ogling antiques. One of them sounds cruel, and the other, Sonia, sounds distorted somehow, unlike herself. They’re too quiet for him to hear, but none of it can be good. Then Sonia lets out a cry of pain, and Connor knows for certain that something is wrong.

All of the other runaways in the basement perk up. Fight or flight senses are always amplified among AWOLs. Connor silently gestures for them to back away from the cellar entrance, holding a finger to his lips. This could be a Juvey-cop, so they can’t risk exposing Sonia through too many sounds. Risa picks up a wrench, testing its weight experimentally, and Connor and the others follow suit. Whatever’s going on up there, it can’t hurt to have a weapon.

They wait in tense, painful silence, and then there’s a softer thump from above as the rug is flipped off of the trapdoor and Sonia shouts down for Lev of all people to come up and help her with something. Lev isn’t here, he hasn’t been near Sonia’s shop at all. Sonia knows this, and she’s well aware that the kids know this, too.

Connor’s eyes widen as he puts it together. This is a trap, obviously. Risa, sensing the same thing, grabs a small, blond kid (Jack, maybe? Connor tried not to learn their names. Unfamiliarity makes it easier to lose them) and starts to push him up the stairs, promising that she’ll be right behind him. Connor moves to join her but Risa stops him with a single harsh look.

“Don’t you dare even poke your head out,” she urges in a terse whisper. “Whoever’s here is probably only looking for you. Don’t make a sound.”

Connor would like to argue with this, but he knows she’s right. Odds are somebody saw him through a storefront window or something after closing. It’s not right to let Risa fight his battles for him, but maybe the intruder will leave if they don’t see the Akron AWOL. It’s not lost on him that Risa and the blond boy might get taken away anyway all for the sake of covering for him, but Risa’s not taking no for an answer, and she’s gone within a moment.

Connor paces back and forth, unsuccessfully trying not to let his panic show. Beau, one of the latest wannabe top dog types, starts prying at a window in the back, which is good. Odds are, they’ll need a second way out of here than just the trapdoor. Connor is about to pitch in and help when he hears a gunshot up above, followed by an agonized cry by Risa, and then all bets are off. Risa’s plea for him to stay hidden is gone from his head. If his worst fears are true– if she was shot, if she was dead– nothing matters anymore.

Connor bounds up the stairs two at a time, emerging into utter chaos. The blond kid is crumpled on the ground, a mess of blood and gore coating his chest. A grungy man is standing over his body holding a real gun, not just a tranq. Risa is beating him with a wrench, but he throws her off of him the second Connor appears. The man’s face cracks into a leering grin, and Connor realizes that he knows this man. It’s Nelson, the cop he shot so long ago.

Worse than that, it’s not just Nelson. Half of his face has been replaced with unwound flesh. Connor discovers with a sickening lurch of his stomach that he knows the donor, too. That’s the good side of Argent Skinner’s face isn’t it? Come to think of it, Connor hasn’t seen Grace in a little while, too. He silently hopes she’s alright, then shuts off every part of his brain that isn’t wired to defend himself. Nelson looks crazy. He has to be ready for anything.

Nelson lets out a slow, cackling laugh. “Connor Lassiter. In the flesh.”

“Nelson. In somebody else’s flesh.” Connor mimics. “What did you do to Argent Skinner?”

Nelson rolls his eyes elaborately. “He got in the way. I think his fate is obvious, isn’t it? I needed new skin. He needed to learn his lesson. No one crosses me and gets away with it. You’ve been on the run for a long time, but I’ve caught up to you at last. I always catch my prey.”

To the side, Risa is slowly getting to her feet, but there’s a gash opening up on her temple. Behind her, Sonia is chained to a chair, obviously in pain. Only Connor can save them. Only Connor can save himself.

Nelson starts to glance over at Risa, following Connor’s line of sight, so Connor quickly speaks up again to distract him. “So what, are we going to fight again? Boring, but let’s get on with it. Do you want to get out your tranq gun for old time’s sake? Maybe I’ll shoot you again. They might give me a new nickname for that.”

Nelson actually growls in anger. “I’m not interested in tranq guns, Connor. A permanent solution is better for you.”

He’s still holding the gun he just used to kill the blond boy, and Connor realizes with a sinking lurch that Nelson is planning on utilizing it for a second kill. This time, Nelson isn’t leaving until the job is done. Sure, it would be good to collect the payout of grabbing the Akron AWOL, but this is personal. Nelson can make up any excuse he wants about why Connor forced his hand. In the end, this is about Connor repeatedly humiliating the guy, costing him his job, his life, his flesh and bone, everything. One of them is walking away from this, not both. Perhaps neither of them. Looking up at Nelson, Connor finally knows:  this is where it all ends.

“That’s fine with me.” Connor tells him. “I’d like to get rid of you, too.”

He briefly considers going for the ‘nice socks’ distraction, but, afraid of having used it one too many times, Connor decides to ignore the pleasantries and just get going. There’s a table of antiques next to him; Connor grabs the closest heavy object, a brass candlestick, and lobs it at Nelson’s head. The former Juvey-cop manages to duck, but not entirely, and the metal clips him on the temple.

Nelson grunts in pain and angrily points the gun towards Connor, who frantically hurls himself to the floor. The shot misses, shattering a glass cabinet and sending the contents showering to the floor. Connor picks himself up and sprints away, hoping Nelson’s more interested in him than staying to finish off Risa and Sonia.

Luckily, the guy’s got blinders on for anything that isn’t his least favorite AWOL, and Nelson gives chase immediately. Unluckily, this means that more bullets are directed Connor’s way. He skids through a series of small displays, using the advantage of a few tight corners to remove himself from Nelson’s immediate line of vision, then ducks into a hiding space below a desk. There, he waits, one hand clamped over his mouth so Nelson can’t hear him breathing.

Nelson stalks slowly from room to room, Connor can hear the thud of his boots against the ground. “Come out, Connor,” Nelson calls, “Let’s settle this like men. You can’t hide forever.”

Maybe not, but he can certainly push off more fighting as long as he can. Nelson was a cop once, he’s got way more combat training than Connor. Connor’s only hope is to stay one step ahead and confuse him into letting down his guard. There’s no way he’s winning a direct fistfight, so Connor has to be as difficult as possible. 

Something dense thuds on the ground, then the glug of liquid pouring out follows the sound. Connor has no idea what that could be, but there’s no mistaking the subsequent click of a lighter. “If you won’t come out on your own, I have no problem smoking you out. I hear that’s best when taking care of rats. You have to burn down their nest to kill the young.”

Connor does not know much about rats, nor the proper method of extermination, but at this moment he doesn’t like any of it. Nelson is just as stuck in here as Connor if the antiques shop goes up in flames, but Connor realizes with a sinking feeling that Nelson doesn’t care about getting out if Connor doesn’t either. As long as Connor dies first, Nelson is happy. 

Connor, however, needs his friends to stay alive. He rolls out from under the desk to find Nelson crossing over the threshold of the room. The former Juvey-cop bares his teeth in a grin. “See, there you are. I knew you’d let your feelings get in the way of your own self preservation.”

He holds up the lighter triumphantly over a slick of what might be rubbing alcohol or gasoline. Connor tries to stay cool, but his hands twitch at his sides. “Easy, man. You don’t want to blow yourself up, too.”

“How considerate of you to think about me,” Nelson muses. “I won’t return the favor.”

With that, he drops the lighter. The liquid immediately erupts into flames, streaking out of the room and into the next with lightning speed. Connor shouts in despair, but it’s too late. He can only hope that Risa was able to get Sonia out, that the unwinds in the basement could get the window open. Hope is all he has left. That, and the undeniable anger coursing through his veins. Nelson wants to play with fire, does he? Connor is more than willing to follow suit.

He’s not stupid enough to start a fight in a burning house, so he runs for the back door, which opens up into a barren grassy patch hemmed in by a fence. Good; Connor doesn’t want Nelson running. If Connor is the only one that survives the fire, he will make sure Nelson pays for it.

Connor makes it out the door first, so he has enough time to pick up a rock and hurl it at Nelson’s head as the Juvey-cop chases him out. This time, Nelson doesn’t duck, and the man cries out in pain as the rock connects directly with his left eye. Whatever Unwind’s eyeball ended up in Nelson’s face, he hopes that they’re not aware of the injury. He wants only Nelson to feel the agony of the blood welling up in the ruined socket.

Nelson clutches the bloody wound, swearing at Connor. “Do you know how costly those things can get on the black market? I’ll have to replace it with yours to even things out.”

“Try it. See what happens,” Connor dares him, and lunges for the man.

Nelson’s sense of balance is still impacted by the blow to the head, so Connor manages to tackle him around the middle before Nelson is even aware that he’s attacking. They roll around on the ground for a little bit, exchanging punches back and forth, before Connor is able to force him onto his back. From there, it’s easy to keep him pinned and rain blows upon his face. 

He used to get in fights a lot before the unwind order, it’s all coming back to him now. Nelson tries to shove the barrel of the gun towards Connor, but Connor knocks it out of his hand in an instant. The man’s face is almost unrecognizable by now, but Connor isn’t done yet. This man is responsible for so many teenagers being unwound, doesn’t he deserve this punishment? He, too, should be in pieces. Connor can arrange that.

Nelson tries to shout something, but the words come out garble and broken around his swollen tongue. It’s going to attract attention, if the inferno behind them hasn’t brought scrutiny already. To shut him up, Connor wraps his hands around Nelson’s throat and starts to squeeze. It’s easy at first, just a matter of applying pressure. One of his hands– the right one, Connor thinks, but he’s not entirely aware of the difference nor why it should matter– tries to back out, but Connor redoubles his efforts. Nelson is not getting away. Not this time. Not ever.

It takes Connor a long time to realize that the man is no longer moving. Longer still to realize why. Connor has never killed someone before. He didn’t think he could, but. Sometimes we learn things about ourselves later than we expect.

Connor falls to his knees, leaning back slightly as he stares at his handiwork. His heart beats an urgent, irregular beat, telling him what he has known for a while now but is certain of today:  he is a terrible, terrible person. Lev wouldn’t blow up Happy Jack, even Roland couldn’t kill, but Connor could. There are no lines he would not cross, no boundaries he cannot push. He is, at last, well and truly feral. No wonder the world wants him in pieces.

People are starting to emerge from their houses, attracted by the glow of the fire and the jumbled shouts of the fight. Connor is sheltered by the fence and hedges for now, but soon they’ll come for him and find the bloodied corpse of the former Juvey-cop. There are very few people who would mourn for Jasper T. Nelson, if there are indeed any at all, but any witnesses will see a dead man and a living killer and know who is worse off at the moment. The dead rest. The living do not.

Risa finds him first. She skids over the ground to him, throwing her arms around his shoulders. Dimly, Connor is reminded of tackling Nelson to the ground, one rough arm against his throat, but this is Risa, this is different, this has to be different. Not everything in this world brings death. Still, it’s hard to remember now.

“It’s over,” Risa breathes against his ear, “It’s over. Let’s go home.”

Connor isn’t looking at her, though, he’s watching the flecks of burning paper float down around him like snow. In his head, he’s a kid again, bundled up in a parka and too-big snow boots. He’ll grow into them; so will his brother, in a few years. Now Lucas gets new clothes and Connor gets nothing at all. Lucas has had two winters now of being the first one to run out into the yard in the fresh snow, of sinking the first boot prints into the endless expanse of white, and Connor hopes to God he’s loved it.

Connor stretches out a shaking, blood-spattered hand and picks up one of the pieces. It’s an envelope, the contents either ripped away in the wind or already burnt to bits. Right now, the delivery address is damn near indistinguishable from the coarse ash rubbed against it, but Connor can pick out the words by heart:

Claire & Kirk Lassiter

3048 Rosenstock Road

Columbus, Ohio 43017

As he watches, the smoke from one corner of the envelope picks up into a spark, which turns into a flame that gnaws away the words one by one. Like unwinding, his mind whispers. Each letter ripped away to some new fate. Risa has to pluck the quickly burning paper out from between his fingers so Connor doesn’t scorch himself. He doesn’t even notice the flames are at his flesh until a dull, throbbing ache some time later.

Connor is still in Ohio. He’s within driving distance of his house, but there is something Connor has known from the moment he came back here, from the moment Sonia put that letter in his hands again, from the moment he throttled Nelson until the light left his eyes:  he can never go back. That house is for the whole, and although Connor still has possession of all of his limbs, he cannot ever be described as such again. He is not his father’s son. He is not his mother’s boy. If there was ever a Connor who could return to the Lassiter family, he is not the one who just strangled a man to death. There is no place in Ohio that Connor can ever return to again.

“No,” Connor chokes out, half-gagging on the wet slurry of ash and blood in his mouth, “No. I have no home.”

Risa’s saying something soothing about how that’s not true, he’ll always have her, and they’ll find a way, they always have, but he’s not listening anymore. Instead, Connor’s face is tilted back, letting the sun wash over the gouges on his cheeks, his split lip, the bruises already flowering under his skin. He stares once into that blinding light, then snaps his eyes shut. 

The elder Lassiter boy is dead. Only Connor remains.

requested by @bopeisdope, i hope you enjoy!

unwind tag list: @schroedingers-kater, @sirofreak, @locke-writes

all tags list: @wordsarelife

[cantsayidont]

November 1989. Launched three months after the end of the previous LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES book, Keith Giffen's "v4" series remains the Legion's most controversial phase. Set five years after the end of the outgoing book, it stripped the gloss from the Legion's future: 30th Century Earth has withdrawn from the United Planets and is sinking into xenophobic, totalitarian isolationism; the Legion has disbanded, its members and allies scattered to the winds. Some characters are dead, maimed, missing, or imprisoned; a few are now collaborators; and the rest are preoccupied with their own problems. Former Legionnaire Reep Daggle (Chameleon Boy), now fabulously wealthy, decides the only solution is to put the band back together, but the universe has problems that may be too big for an organization of aging former teen superheroes.

Dense, complex, and often quite dark, the storyline begins in medias res, and it takes some time to piece together what's going on (to say nothing of trying to keep straight the no-longer-costumed characters, who have real names like "Rokk Krinn"). However, there's actual substance to reward the effort, and scripters Tom & Mary Bierbaum bring the characters to vivid life. People who enjoyed BABYLON 5, DEEP SPACE NINE, or BATTLESTAR GALACTICA would probably also find much to enjoy here, although those unfamiliar with the Legion may need a cheat-sheet, and it's perhaps best to assume that the series ends after issue #36, the end of the "Terra Mosaic" arc.

This run was frequently hampered by ongoing editorial feuds, not due to its content (although that rubbed many longtime readers the wrong way), but because of issues related to the Legion's lingering ties to Superman, which resulted in a number of further continuity shuffles. Giffen actually quit several times during the run, leaving the Bierbaums floundering (issues without Giffen's name on them are usually a mess), and his final storyline in #38–#40 was an extremely bitter pill that broke the setting so thoroughly that a corrective continuity reset was basically inevitable. After his departure, the Bierbaums remained through issue #50 (and for most of the run of the ill-advised LEGIONNAIRES spinoff book), but with no direction and little editorial support, it was increasingly hopeless. DC eventually opted for an infuriating reboot that scrapped 45 years of Legion history in favor of a return to cutesy teen heroes with silly names. (Giffen's intended resolution wouldn't have been much better; his plan was to eventually reveal that the adult Legionnaires were all clones — as with Marvel's ill-fated Ben Reilly Spider-Clone storyline — which would also have been very dire.) The Legion has never really recovered, despite a further succession of partial or total reboots.

[aworldforastage]

魂兵之戈/"Jiang Chao Ge and the Spirit Weapon" by Shui Qian Cheng

I can't believe this is my 10th SQC novel!

I always thought of SQC as the queen of dogblood scum gong crematoriums novels angsty urban romantic drama, but her action-adventure stuff is surprisingly fun and engaging!

Synopsis

Ruthless businessman Jiang Chaoge accidentally gets transported to an alternate universe that is built around Spirit Weapons. In this universe, the spirits of everything from mice to mythical beasts can be sealed into items made from their remains, and then summoned in their full form to perform the bidding of compatible humans who have special spirit powers.

(Someone on Weibo called it "Shaman King but with monsters from Chinese Mythology" and I can't stop about the story any other way now.)

Jiang Chaoge unwittingly proves himself to be compatible with a highly-coveted spirit weapon. He must figure out how to cultivate spirit powers, survive in this new world, defend against others who also want his spirit weapon, all while looking after an ill-tempered mythical spirit in the body of the most unruly toddler, whose real identity is his gong seems to be much more troubling that he already seems.

Hoping to return to his own world, Jiang Chaoge embarks on a dangerous mission with a gang of new friends, and eventually discovers the terrible secrets that may seal the fates of both worlds.

What I like about the story

Complex (and a little sue-ish) protagonist. Jiang Chaoge is a machiavellian business man, always analyzing the situation and trying to find the best deals for himself. He is an orphan street rat who had to learn to be ruthless to survive, and continues to be cynical, suspicious, manipulative, and unapologetically self-centered. He uses his street-smarts, business skills, and high EQ to cultivate useful friendships and quickly build a comfortable life for himself in this new and dangerous world. He also becomes the brain and emotional core among his companions, whom he chose carefully for their talent and usefulness. However, over the course of the story, his band of mutually-beneficial acquaintances become real friends. I don't always like it when a character who is alleged flawed (e.g. calculating and self-centered) but never demonstrate for face any negative consequences for it (e.g. betray or lose the trust of his friends.) However, Jiang Chaoge manages that balance that keeps him both interesting and sympathetic.

Intriguing plot. We start with Jiang Chaoge exploring an alternate world as a transmigrator, learning its rules while trying to make a living and return home. However, only the most powerful beings in this universe have the power to send him back home, and Jiang Chaoge must find and bargain with increasingly powerful and dangerous entities -- from the High Priest of the land to the most powerful of beast spirits. All of them have their own secrets and agendas, which involves finding god-like powers that are only known to the mystical beast spirits, and discovering the terrible truths and bitters betrayals from the ancient battles that killed all the mythical beasts millennia ago.

A dynamic supporting cast. A heroic prince a bit too idealistic for his own good. A teenage trafficked slave-turned-bounty hunter who wants to return home. A feudal lord's illegitimate daughter who wants a free life on her own terms. An introverted genius who, ironically, got tricked into joining the most dangerous journey due to his anxiety and OCD. And a curious local explorer who final leaves home. Each one of them has (or eventually gets) a spirit beast, who are their most important allies in battle, and are also simultaneously their most complicated and most important relationship.

Friendships! The main gang initially only came together due to a web of mutually-beneficial incentives weaved together by Jiang Chaoge. Most of them are loners who do not easily trust people, but the friendship between them develops gradually and organically as they help each other through life-and-death situations. I especially love this development in Jiang Chaoge, who gets to feel missed, loved, and taken care of despite his harsh upbringing, and learns to feel this way for others. We also see the interesting friendships and frenemy-ships between the legendary mythical beasts, who have known each other since the literal dawn of time so their relationships can't be not-complicated.

The implications of spirit weapons and spirits beasts. The high-level spirit weapons wielded by the main cast are made from the souls of mythical beasts who have cultivated human-level sentience. Naturally, they have *feelings* about being killed and made into a weapon for perpetuity. Even if the spirit and wielder can get along, the relationship is inherently unequal on every front: a living human vs a dead beast, a mortal human vs a immortal spirit, the fragile source of power vs the fierce creature who can maximize the power's potential. The more energy a spirit receive from their human wielder, the more powerful they become in battle, and the greater their chance of reversing the relationship -- using the human's spirit energy to return to life and turn the human into a spirit weapon instead.

Further complicating this dynamic is the fact that a spirit weapon can formally bond with its wielder. No one else can use this weapon while the current wielder lives, and the spirit becomes one of the most important relationships that will last for the rest of that human's life. A bonding can be achieved through an exchange of blood or sexual intercourse, and of course the second option is very relevant to the plot and the main couple.

On the other hand

The main relationship is not boring or unpleasant, but it's just not to my taste. The gong is fierce and protective in his love, but also has the temper, maturity, and sometimes the intelligence of a petulant child despite having lived for millennia. This makes for a lot of great comedy and fun interactions with the protagonist, and I really like seeing them gradually becoming friends, but the romantic component didn't feel too compelling to me. However, I love the conflict this couple get into later on in the novel, which is a bit cheesy and cliched but also plays perfectly off the character flaws they already exhibited in the story.

The rushed ending left many loose ends in the plot. I read that the author originally planned for a much longer story, but a host of problems with the platform and censorship hampered her writing. Some characters and couples are left in awkward or unsatisfying places in the narrative, if not downright forgotten, so it feels like their story has not been in explored in full. The climactic battle itself is one shocking reveal after another; and it feels a bit like an info-dump that has dragged on for too long. The ending is technically happy, but I think it's a bit silly and leaves a lot of problems open in the future.

Finally, while SQC is incredibly skilled at crafting emotionally complex stories and character, and the action feels very tight from scene to scene, I feel like the story is still missing several important pieces that keeps it from being super-amazing. So many interesting story elements are left under-explored, like the powerful anti-monarchist secret society, the complicated power dynamics between spirit weapons and their wielders, the other nations/continents in the alternate world, the pseudo-immortality of spirit beasts, and what do you mean we don't have another 50K of extras picking apart Yin Chuan's tragic relationship with Di Jiang and Yuren Shu's complicated dynamic with Tian Rong?!

P.S. This story has no explicit smut scenes, kind of a real shock considering this is SQC's work ...

Overall

This is a story with a refreshing concept/premise, good writing, fun characters, deep relationships, and very creative plot and use of Chinese mythology. However, it leaves me with a "4/5" kind of feeling, because even though there are so many good things about it, I feel like it just left so much unexplored.

It's like looking at a really interesting painting, but with areas that are incomplete and some patches done very roughly compared to the rest. I have high expectations because the artist created such a wonderful sketch and did so well on most of it -- but it's still one of the most best works I have seen recently.

Finally,

I discovered this story through its audiodrama, which is surprisingly very good and unsurprisingly not reaching that many people. Season 1 covered half the novel, and I hope the word spreads so we get a second season to complete the story.

The theme song -- a rock song with Chinese instrumentals -- has also been stuck in my head on and off for weeks now ~~

[killdeercheer]

Studio Ghibli Reviews: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

I know I know this film was technically made before the founding of Studio Ghibli, but it's now currently sold under that umbrella so it also technically counts as a Ghibli film, so there.

Nausicaä started life as a serialized manga for the magazine Animage by Hayao Miyazaki himself and his involvement in the animated adaptation was only on the table if he could direct. Having just come off his first directing role on Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (a very fine action film I can't recommend enough), Nausicaä would prove particularly challenging for Miyazaki as he had barely moved his manga along story-wise. But, even so, the film was completed and went on to become an enormous Ohm-sized success, especially as the funds received helped found Miyazaki's own animation studio, Studio Ghibli.

Plot: Set in a post-apocalyptic future after a fabled "Seven Days of Fire" in which humans bioengineered giant-warriors who spewed nuclear weapons, the namesake Nausicaä is the princess of the peaceful and secluded Valley of the Wind. This is one of the last strongholds of human society, as the rest of the world is being consumed by a "toxic jungle" of poisonous sporophyte-plants and ferocious arthropods. The remaining nations frequently fight amongst each other, and one of these, Tolmekia, accidently crashes their ship into the Valley and reveals their acquisition of one of the long-dormant giant-warriors. Nausicaä must navigate the increasingly-bitter struggle between the Tolmekians (who desire to use the warrior to destroy the jungle and bring humanity back from the brink), the Pejites (another kingdom caught in the conflict with similar goals), her own kingdom (who just wishes to live in peace), and her pacifist, naturalist persona.

- this review will be mainly spoiler-free -

Right away, I will admit to being slightly biased in this review as this is my favorite of the Ghibli films (hence why I chose to discuss it first). It was also very influential as - while I had been aware of and seen several Studio Ghibli films - this was the one that really kickstarted my (almost excessive) interest in their output and history, having been entranced by their storytelling formulas, animation, themes, and complex characters. Nausicaä also hit a lot of chords with me, being a film with strong environmental themes that include a crucial lesson on the need for recognition of humans as a part of nature that must coexist with other organisms if they are to survive.

At its core, Nausicaä is a film about pacifism, and how ultimately fruitless violence is. It is the creation and use of enormous biological-weapons which destroys global human society and the environment; it is the conquering-practices of the Tolmekians which leads to the deaths of many of their people as well as their enemies; and so on. Nausicaä herself abhors violence, choosing instead to use nonviolent methods to achieve peaceful ends. However, even she is not immune, and in one scene (following an emotional reaction to the death of a family member) she proceeds to wipe out several soldiers, realizing "I didn't know my rage could drive me to kill." This action almost causes great troubles for the kingdom. I have my own complex thoughts on the meaning and effectiveness of nonviolent vs. violent methods in certain situations, but in the spirit of the themes which Miyazaki explores in his films and in the context of the plot, I feel that Nausicaä does a fair job at showing how unnecessary thoughtless violence can be.

Either way, the film presents a good textbook-example of how out-of-control wartime struggles are. The kingdoms of Tolmekia and Pejite are never shown, but based on the actions and comments of their citizens, these are communities starved for times of plenty and always at the mercy of a toxic jungle they wish would vanish. Contrast this with the Valley of the Wind, whose position by the windy sea prevents the spores of the jungle from spreading (hence their name), allowing the people to grow crops and survive with relative security even with the jungle on its doorstep. Throw these nations together and conflict could not be far behind, presenting an increasing dreadfulness that ends the film in a spectacular climax.

The cast of the film - like the majority of Studio Ghibli films - is full of wonderful characters. Nausicaä is a remarkable and charming hero; her passion for nature and for her people is admirable, and every time she flies on her glider (called a mehve in production material) I can't help but want to soar with her. Curiously, she seems to be the only lead-role in the film, with the rest of the cast coming in-and-out of the film at various times, only when they're needed. As much as I love these characters, the more I think about it, the more I realize that most lack the complexity of later Ghibli casts. Our antagonists, Princess Kushana of Tolmekia and her second-in-command Kurotowa, are more traditional villains for a Ghibli film, serving as conquerors leading a ruthless army and seeking their goals no matter what. Nausicaä's allies include Prince Asbel, a scrapping fly-boy whose main role is escorting her to Pejite and revealing his people's horrid plans for the Valley, and Uncle Mito, who helps Nausicaä return to the Valley following her journey. Lord Yupa is probably the highlight of the film, being a master swordsman who only uses his skills when necessary. But, for all intents-and-purposes, this is Nausicaä's story.

Commenting on the English dub for a moment (as this is how I know the film), I really love the voicework and casting choices. I adore Alison Lohman as Nausicaä, who brings a vibrant, youthful air to the character. Uma Thurman as Kushana, an actor who I know mainly from the PBS nature documentaries she narrates, plays a good villain with an air of prideful authority (almost a parallel to Nausicaä). Patrick Stewart is Yupa and, as always, kills the performance. Actual Cannibal Shia LaBeouf is Asbel, and I enjoy his role mainly due to my nostalgia (he would have finished filming Holes not long before the English dub was recorded). Chris Sarandon (Kurotowa) & Edward James Olmos (Mito), I also enjoy for their distinct voices that are absolutely perfect for their characters.

I could say much about the worldbuilding. The toxic jungle has the air of a haunted Carboniferous forest and though we only get to explore it twice in the film, it's enough to sell me on its mystery and danger. The arthropods (called insects in the film) are particularly fascinating, with the giant Ohm (a cross between a pill-bug, a grub, and a spider) taking center stage. They are implied to have highly complex cognition and I find they behave like African elephants, herding and caring for their young while communicating messages through non-verbal means. The other arthropod designs are mainly good, although some play a bit fast and loose with the anatomy for my tastes (for example, some have reptilian jaws). The rest of the planet, scarred by the Seven Days of Fire, is desolate and bleak, enough to make even the toxic jungle seem like a refuge. Of course, its important role in the story becomes apparent halfway through. The human settlements are curious as well, bearing a mix of modern and medieval elements that make for a neat combination.

Although it is not addressed in the film, according to the manga, the other animals in the film (including Teto, a "fox squirrel" companion to Nausicaä whose more like a small carnivoran, and Yupa's giant Gastornis-like riding-birds) are supposed to be genetically-engineered as well, but personally I prefer to see them as natural elements in the world of Nausicaä.

For a film that is over 2 hours long, I feel Nausicaä has very good set-up and pacing. The intro effortlessly establishes the situation of the world, including a beautiful sequence of medieval-mosaics where the backstory is laid out without words. Several scenes flesh out the characters and stakes without much explanation, which is excellent considering the English dubs often require characters practically telling the audience what's happening on screen. Even though there are some scenes that can drag on a bit, in terms of their contrast with the action scenes, they are a welcome reprieve. They are made all the better by the score, which is a delightfully weird mix of 80s synth and more typical orchestration. Joe Hisaishi is the legendary conductor for the Ghibli films and his main theme for Nausicaä is necessarily enchanting and grand for a film of this type. I always get goose-bumps listening to it.

Overall, everything in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is big. The scope of the world, the conflict, and the overarching themes. Every time I watch this film I get sucked into the story, which is a running theme with all the Ghibli films I've watched. But in terms of favorites, Nausicaä remains #1 in my book. It's a great film with an inspiring main-lead that paved the way for Studio Ghibli and many other projects by others around the world. You can't pass it up.

Speaking of books, for the record, I have read the original manga. It's excellent, a tour-de-force of literary storytelling... but, it does significantly detract from the story of the film to the point where they are two-different versions. Don't get me wrong, it does expand the world-building and add more characters, but I didn't care for some of the decisions made and the fates of some of the characters left me feeling down, so I do much prefer the film. But that's just me.

I hope y'all enjoyed this slighly-rambling review. I thought I'd try something new for a change and help bring my attention back to this tumblr blog. Expect more of these, for as long as my Studio Ghibli hyper-fixation keeps up XD

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

May 31, 2023

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

JUN 1, 2023

Tonight the House passed a bill to suspend the debt ceiling for two years, enabling the Treasury to borrow money to prevent a default. More Democrats than Republicans rallied to the measure, with 165 Democrats and 149 Republicans voting in favor, for a final vote of 314 to 117. Seventy-one Republicans and 46 Democrats opposed the bill. Now the measure heads to the Senate. The votes revealed a bitter divide in the Republican Party, as the far-right House Freedom Caucus fervently opposed the measure; Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) for example, called it a “turd sandwich.” Florida governor Ron DeSantis also came out against it, saying it leaves the country “careening toward bankruptcy.” The far right insists the measure does not provide the cuts they demand. Last night’s nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office scoring of the bill offered them ammunition when it said that the additional work requirement imposed on able-bodied people aged 18–54 without dependents to receive food benefits is outweighed by the expansion of those benefits to veterans, unhoused people, and children aging out of foster care. The CBO estimates that the measure will add 78,000 people a month to food assistance programs, adding $2.1 billion in spending over the next ten years. Despite their fury, though, the far right in the House appears to be backing down from challenging Representative Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) speakership. Their angry news conferences seem mostly to be performances for their base, and to answer them, McCarthy today said on the Fox News Channel that he was creating a “commission” to “look at” cutting the budget that the president “walled off” from cuts, including the mandatory spending on Medicare and Social Security. But, as Josh Marshall pointed out in Talking Points Memo today, the Republican base no longer seems to care much about fiscal issues. Instead, they are pushing the cultural issues at the heart of illiberal democracy: anti-LGBTQ laws, antiabortion laws, anti-immigration laws. Former president Trump is making those themes central to his reelection campaign. Yesterday he released a video promising that on “Day One” of a new presidential term, he would issue an executive order that would end birthright citizenship. Our current policy that anyone born in the United States is a citizen, he claims, is “based on a historical myth, and a willful misinterpretation of the law by the open borders advocates.” He promises to make “clear to federal agencies that under the correct interpretation of the law, going forward, the future children of illegal aliens will not receive automatic US citizenship.” Trump is picking up an idea from his presidential term that immigrants are flocking to the U.S. as “birth tourists” so their children will have dual citizenship, but the estimate from the immigration-restrictionist Center for Immigration Studies that birth tourism accounts for 26,000 of the approximately 3.7 million births in the U.S. each year has been shown to be wildly high. Trump’s attack on birthright citizenship is an attack on immigration itself, echoing people like Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, who insists that immigration weakens a nation by diluting its native-born people with outsiders. Trump’s attack on the idea of birthright citizenship as a “historical myth” is a perversion of our history. It matters. In the nineteenth century, the United States enshrined in its fundamental law the idea that there would not be different levels of citizenship in this country. Although not honored in practice, that idea, and its place in the law, gave those excluded from it the language and the tools to fight for equality. Over time, they have increasingly expanded those included in it. The Republican Party organized in the 1850s to fight the idea that there should be different classes of Americans based on race—not only Black Americans, but also Irish, Chinese, Mexican, and Indigenous Americans faced discriminatory state laws. Republicans stated explicitly in their 1860 platform that they were “opposed to any change in our naturalization laws or any state legislation by which the rights of citizens hitherto accorded to immigrants from foreign lands shall be abridged or impaired; and in favor of giving a full and efficient protection to the rights of all classes of citizens, whether native or naturalized, both at home and abroad.” In 1868, after the Civil War had ended the legal system of human enslavement, the American people added to the Constitution the Fourteenth Amendment, whose very first sentence reads: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” Congress wrote that sentence to overturn the 1857 Dred Scott v. Sandford decision, in which the Supreme Court ruled that people of African descent “are not included, and were not intended to be included, under the word ‘citizens’ in the Constitution, and can therefore claim none of the rights and privileges which that instrument provides for and secures to citizens of the United States.” The Fourteenth Amendment legally made Black men citizens equal to white men. But did it include the children of immigrants? In 1882, during a period of racist hysteria, the Chinese Exclusion Act declared that Chinese immigrants could not become citizens. But what about their children who were born in the United States? Wong Kim Ark was born around 1873, the child of Chinese parents who were merchants in San Francisco. In 1889 he traveled with his parents when they repatriated to China, where he married. He then returned to the U.S., leaving his wife behind, and was readmitted. After another trip to China in 1894, though, customs officials denied him reentry to the U.S. in 1895, claiming he was a Chinese subject because his parents were Chinese. Wong sued, and his lawsuit was the first to climb all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, thanks to the government’s recognition that with the U.S. in the middle of an immigration boom, the question of birthright citizenship must be addressed. In the 1898 U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark decision, the court held by a vote of 6–2 that Wong was a citizen because he was born in the United States. That decision has stood ever since, as a majority of Americans have recognized the principle behind the citizenship clause of the Fourteenth Amendment as the one central to the United States: “that all men are created equal” and that a nation based on that idea draws strength from all of its people. Over time, we have expanded our definition of who is included in that equality. Now the right wing is trying to contract equality again, excluding many of us from its rights and duties. The Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health decision makes women a separate and lesser class of citizen; anti-LGBTQ legislation denigrates sexual minorities. Trump’s attack on birthright citizenship makes that attack on equality explicit, calling equality a “myth” and attempting to enshrine inequality as the only real theme of our history. The concept of equality means we all have equal rights. It also means we all owe an equal allegiance to the country and that we all should be equal before the law, principles the former president has reason to dislike. Today, Katelyn Polantz, Paula Reid, and Kaitlan Collins of CNN broke the story that federal prosecutors have an audio recording of the former president admitting he kept a classified Pentagon document about a potential attack on Iran. The material on the tape, which was recorded at his Bedminster, New Jersey, property and appears to indicate that the document was in his hands, shows that Trump understood he had taken a classified document and that he understood that there were limits to his ability to declassify records. The recording also appears to suggest that at least one of the documents Trump took when he left office had enormous monetary value. As former Senior Foreign Service member Luis Moreno tweeted: “You can bet that if the TS/SCI dox involved military action against Iran, there would be a couple of countries willing to pay a king’s ransom for it.”

—

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[coffeefranchisehub]

What is the Most Popular Coffee in China? Revealed!

Coffee culture has rapidly expanded in China, reflecting the nation’s growing middle class, modern lifestyle shifts, and increasing international influences. While tea remains a staple in Chinese culture, coffee is now finding its place in both metropolitan hubs and smaller cities. This article will explore the most popular coffee in China, diving into the types of coffee drinks, the dominant coffee brands, emerging trends, and how the Chinese coffee scene differs from global standards.

The Rise of Coffee Culture in China

In the past, China was primarily known as a tea-drinking country. Coffee consumption was a niche interest, predominantly limited to expatriates and international travelers. However, over the last two decades, coffee has grown exponentially in popularity, largely driven by young, urban professionals.

According to a report from the International Coffee Organization, China is now one of the fastest-growing coffee markets in the world. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen are hubs for coffee consumption, with an increasing number of cafes popping up each year. The Chinese coffee market is expected to reach new heights as domestic consumption continues to grow, especially with younger generations embracing Western-style coffee beverages.

Most Popular Coffee Types in China

Several coffee varieties dominate the market in China, reflecting both global coffee trends and local preferences.

1. Latte

The latte is arguably the most popular coffee drink in China. This creamy, milky coffee beverage is favored for its mild, approachable flavor, which appeals to many new coffee drinkers. Chinese consumers, particularly those new to coffee, tend to prefer drinks that balance the bitterness of coffee with sweetness, and a latte is the perfect combination of espresso and steamed milk.

Latte variations, including flavored lattes such as vanilla, caramel, and matcha lattes, are also widely popular. These beverages are offered in almost every coffee chain in China, including Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and local cafes.

2. Americano

Americano is another highly popular coffee choice, particularly for those who have developed a taste for coffee but prefer a milder flavor compared to espresso. The Americano, made by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water, delivers a more subtle and watered-down taste of coffee, making it suitable for many Chinese consumers who prefer to sip on their coffee for a longer period, much like tea.

Many older generations of Chinese coffee drinkers also tend to favor the Americano because it closely resembles the traditional long-drink concept in tea culture.

3. Cappuccino

Cappuccinos, a classic Italian coffee made with equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and foam, are also widely enjoyed in China. Cappuccinos offer a balance of coffee flavor and texture, with the added foam providing a unique mouthfeel. Chinese coffee consumers are drawn to its light yet rich taste, often opting for it as a morning pick-me-up or a mid-day treat.

4. Flat White

The flat white, which originated in Australia and New Zealand, has gained significant popularity in China. It’s similar to a latte but with a higher ratio of coffee to milk, providing a stronger coffee flavor while maintaining a smooth texture. Flat whites have become a trendy choice, particularly among more discerning coffee drinkers and those seeking a bolder coffee experience without the intensity of a straight espresso.

5. Iced Coffee

Iced coffee is increasingly becoming a favorite among Chinese consumers, particularly during the hot summer months. Both iced lattes and iced Americanos are widely ordered in cafes. The concept of iced coffee fits well with China’s urban lifestyle, where beverages are often consumed on the go. Coffee chains frequently offer seasonal iced coffee beverages with flavors like hazelnut, vanilla, and caramel to cater to the diverse tastes of the market.

6. Instant Coffee

While fresh brewed coffee is on the rise, instant coffee remains a huge part of the Chinese coffee market. Brands like Nestlé and Maxwell House have long dominated the instant coffee scene, with products that cater to the convenience-seeking consumer. However, in recent years, Chinese coffee companies like Luckin Coffee and Three Squirrels have entered the instant coffee market, offering more premium and gourmet instant coffee options.

Instant coffee is especially popular among older generations or those who live in smaller cities, where the availability of coffee shops may be more limited.

Popular Coffee Brands in China

China’s coffee market is populated by both international giants and rapidly expanding local players. Let’s explore some of the most popular coffee brands:

1. Starbucks

Starbucks is the largest and most influential coffee brand in China. Since entering the Chinese market in 1999, the American coffee giant has expanded aggressively, with over 6,000 stores across more than 230 cities. Starbucks’ success in China is due to its ability to adapt to local tastes, such as introducing tea-based beverages, incorporating local flavors like green tea or red bean, and designing stores that cater to China’s café culture.

The brand’s widespread presence and prestige make it the go-to option for many coffee drinkers. Starbucks is especially popular among young professionals, students, and those seeking a premium coffee experience.

2. Luckin Coffee

Luckin Coffee, founded in 2017, quickly became one of the biggest coffee chains in China by adopting a technology-driven business model. Luckin offers convenient app-based ordering and delivery services, which have resonated with the digital-savvy Chinese consumers. The brand competes directly with Starbucks, offering lower prices and frequent promotions.

Despite a financial scandal in 2020, Luckin Coffee has rebounded and remains one of the most popular coffee choices in China, particularly in second and third-tier cities. Luckin’s range of drinks, including its best-selling latte and innovative seasonal beverages, keeps it in the forefront of Chinese coffee culture.

3. Costa Coffee

Costa Coffee, a British coffee chain, is another popular brand in China. Known for its high-quality espresso-based drinks, Costa caters to more discerning coffee drinkers. While it may not have as many stores as Starbucks, Costa is recognized for its premium coffee blends and relaxing café environment.

4. McCafé

McDonald’s McCafé has become a significant player in China’s coffee market by offering affordable coffee beverages that target a more budget-conscious consumer base. While not as premium as Starbucks or Costa, McCafé is a popular option for those looking for a quick and affordable cup of coffee.

Emerging Coffee Trends in China

The coffee market in China is continuously evolving, with new trends shaping the industry and consumer preferences. Below are some emerging trends that are influencing the most popular coffee choices in China:

1. Specialty Coffee

As coffee culture matures, there is a growing interest in specialty coffee. Specialty coffee refers to high-quality coffee beans that are carefully sourced, roasted, and brewed for optimal flavor. Independent cafes that focus on offering unique single-origin coffee and artisanal brewing methods are becoming increasingly popular in cities like Shanghai and Beijing. Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about coffee origins, roast levels, and brewing techniques, and they are willing to pay a premium for a superior cup of coffee.

2. Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew coffee is a new favorite among Chinese coffee enthusiasts, particularly among younger, health-conscious consumers. Cold brew, made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, offers a smoother, less acidic taste compared to traditional iced coffee. Many coffee chains and cafes now offer cold brew options, and it’s especially popular during summer months.

3. Coffee Delivery Services

The integration of technology in the Chinese coffee market has led to the rise of coffee delivery services. Companies like Luckin Coffee have capitalized on this trend, allowing consumers to order coffee directly to their homes or workplaces via mobile apps. The convenience of coffee delivery has contributed to the popularity of coffee in China’s fast-paced urban environments.

4. Coffee with Chinese Ingredients

In recent years, there has been an increasing trend of incorporating traditional Chinese ingredients into coffee beverages. Coffee infused with elements like osmanthus flowers, red dates, or goji berries is becoming more common, offering a fusion of East and West. These innovative drinks resonate with consumers who appreciate local flavors while still enjoying the novelty of coffee.

Conclusion

The most popular coffee in China includes familiar beverages like lattes, Americanos, and cappuccinos, with brands like Starbucks and Luckin Coffee leading the charge. However, as the coffee culture continues to evolve, there is a growing trend toward specialty coffee, cold brews, and drinks that incorporate traditional Chinese flavors. With a dynamic and rapidly growing market, China’s coffee scene is one to watch closely in the coming years.

[wheretheresaway-theresawilliam]

Chapter 24: The Circus Has Come To Town

Word Count: 888

TWs: Death mentions, alcoholism mention, suicide mention

⛤⛤⛤

Charlie’s death was the nail in the coffin for Henry and William’s relationship. She was only found because something had disturbed where William had hidden her body… anyone else would’ve blamed it on an animal, but Henry knew. His creation had failed him, found her too late. He had struggled with alcoholism when his wife, Daphne, died, but had pulled himself together for the sake of Charlie. Now he was spiraling again.

William had to be the one to announce Henry’s resignation as a co-owner of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria and the recently expanding Fazbear Entertainment Company, as he had been completely unfit to break the news himself. Even without William’s influence, the police had begun to make Henry a suspect regarding the town’s missing children. It was the perfect, bitter end, really.

William let his community mourn, closing Freddy’s for a few days before gradually reopening with shortened hours. When things began returning to normal once more, he began teasing the grand opening of a new entertainment facility. Circus Baby’s Pizza World, a gift to his daughter, who had approved all of the designs. He especially needed this distraction to work, as the public was beginning to complain about a decline in Freddy’s quality… comments about foul odours emitting from the animatronics, as well as a lack of appeal in their outdated designs. It wasn’t generating as much buzz as Freddy’s had when Fredbear’s went under. The discovery of Charlie’s body left a putrid taste in the public’s mouth, considering she was found just outside of William’s restaurant. What they wanted out of Circus Baby’s was guaranteed high security, regardless of entertainment quality. If you didn’t want your children to go missing, perhaps you are the ones who should keep a better watch of them

Michael had found his own place after Henry started to lose himself, physically and mentally unable to support the man in his own grief. He knew he wasn’t responsible for the missing children, however. His hunches about that disgusted him to the point he’d rather ignore it altogether. But if it wasn’t Henry, who else had the gall to use Freddy’s as their hunting grounds? What if they continued to strike at this new place his father was building? What if… he could catch them? Prove to himself that he was not as horrible as William. The idea quickly became a feverish obsession as he bought a camera and a corkboard to organize his evidence and theories. He had to put a stop to this. No one else was stepping up to bat and the police in this town were less than incompetent. It had to be him.

Henry was arrested for socking William in the jaw at the grand opening of Circus Baby’s Pizza World. He lasted through two days of community service before killing himself via strangulation, though his body went missing before he ever made it to the morgue. William thought nothing of it. One less thing to worry about. While Circus Baby’s wasn’t an instant smash hit, it still made him money, and boy did it make Elizabeth happy. A restaurant entirely dedicated to her ideas. But this sister location had a special addition: The animatronics could be rented out for off-site parties. William had to make them practically bulletproof to ensure no damage would come to them because of this, of course, but it was worth it. It gave him a special scope into the lives of potential candidates for possession.

It wasn’t long after Circus Baby’s opened that the very first Freddy’s had to be closed due to health and safety concerns. This would’ve been generally fine, had it not been for the dead children left inside. William sent Norman to check up on them regularly, but it was becoming increasingly harder to remain both a part of their lives… and in control. Not to mention the vandals and vagrants itching to make use of the “abandoned” building. William needed someone more consistent than Norman, as he couldn’t exactly look after the animatronics at Freddy’s and help run Circus Baby’s at the same time. Not efficiently, at least.

“Why not hire a nighttime security guard, since the children ‘sleep’ during the day?” Norman suggested.

“To guard a closed restaurant?” William responded skeptically.

“Hey, they don’t need to know why you need them there. And you don’t have to pay them very much… just enough to make the job enticing to people who really need it, in spite of shitty hours and finicky power.”

William considered this. “It’s not a bad idea, my love.”

“That’s why I’m your personal assistant, right?”

“Well, that and I like the way your arse looks when you bend over to pour tea and coffee.~”

He put an ad in the paper the following week. HELP WANTED: Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria. Family pizzeria and entertainment place seeking a security guard to work the night shift. Hours: 12am to 6am. Monitor CCTV footage and ensure the safety of the equipment and animatronic characters. $120 per week. Fazbear Entertainment Co. is not responsible for any injuries that may occur on the premises. He was amazed at how quickly he received a call. He interviewed the potential guard over the phone and hired them shortly after, unaware of just how difficult the job would be for them.

[xtruss]

Growing Internal Differences Dim North Atlantic Terrorist Organization's Future

— Global Times | July 11 2023

Illustration: Chen Xia/Global Times

The annual NATO summit began in Vilnius, Lithuania on Tuesday. A day before that, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg published an article titled "A Stronger NATO for a More Dangerous World" in Foreign Affairs magazine. In one of the paragraphs, he writes, "What we do now - or do not do - now will define the world we live in for generations. So we will send a clear message: NATO stands united." However, is the organization really standing united?

While Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Monday agreement on supporting Sweden's bid to join NATO seems to have given the organization one less headache for now, more disputes within the bloc have become prominent recently.

This includes disagreement on issues such as Ukraine's fast-track NATO membership, which countries like the UK, Poland, and the Baltic states back, while US President Joe Biden said Ukraine is not yet ready. Regarding the question of whether NATO should strive for more presence in the Asia-Pacific, French President Emmanuel Macron already said no. As for Washington's recent decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine, many, if not most, NATO members have voiced their opposition. Even Terrorist Stoltenberg's extension as NATO chief aims to prevent differences within NATO over the next secretary-general from escalating into a public spat between member states.

The NATO summit intends to demonstrate transatlantic unity. But the truth is that behind such a facade lie the contradictions of the member states. After the war broke out, Macron, who said in 2019 that Europe was experiencing "the brain death of NATO," claimed the Russia-Ukraine conflict has given the military alliance an "electroshock." But no matter how powerful it is, such a shock can neither bridge the internal differences and contradictions nor hide the organization's nature as a rigid and outdated block.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has gradually exposed the divisions within NATO member countries. NATO's "unity" formed based on anti-Russian consensus can only cover the widening differences between some member states, but not solve them. And it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain such a unity.

US No Longer Capable of Maintaining Mafia-Style 'Rules-Based Order'

Looking back at history, we can easily determine that NATO is a military organization absolutely dominated by the US. And since its birth, the bloc has been filled with a Cold War mentality. At that time, European countries were devastated after World War II and unable to gain a strong voice in NATO. It is the essence and destiny of NATO to be completely dominated by the US.

As a product of Cold War ideology, NATO can live until this day because of the geopolitical crises in Europe over the past three decades. The secret behind the US' consistent domination of the military-security mechanism in Europe lies in the country's ability to effectively utilize the historical grudges and conflicts of real interests between countries on the European continent. Thus, it can be said that the military conflict between Moscow and Kiev is fully in line with Washington's strategic intentions, especially in terms of revitalizing NATO.

In a sense, the US provoked the war to re-draw Europe into its own embrace. And together, these nations constructed a seemingly solid transatlantic alliance. But the Russia-Ukraine conflict also consumed US' strategic costs and resources greatly, while making European countries understand better that they have been used as pawns by the US in its geopolitical competition. Unlike previous security crises in Europe, the EU will become the biggest victim of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and will have to swallow the bitter fruits of suffering from the war directly.

Braindead Australians’ Naïve Confidence in the US Alliance Eroded with a Dimmer View of Washington! Illustration:Xia Qing/Global Times, July 11, 2023

Today, the situation in Europe has grown to be rather complicated, with the US trying to interfere in European military, economy, and politics. Although certain European powers have a strong desire not to attach themselves to the US, they have to live at the latter's mercy in many areas because they are not ready for a new international order constructed on the principle of equality and mutual benefit.

Nevertheless, NATO has limited means to bridge the differences between its members. The alliance is essentially a security mechanism; thus, members will mainly focus on the defense area with very little flexibility. Another current problem for NATO is the US presidential election in 2024. Whoever becomes president will make the further development of NATO full of even greater uncertainties.

— The article is compiled by the Global Times based on an interview with Gao Jian, a scholar at Shanghai International Studies University and China Forum Expert.

[dmcreativestudio]

Hyper-Semiotization and De-sexualization of Desire: On Felix Guattari

Neoliberal economics has accelerated the pace of labor exploitation, especially cognitive labor; connective digital technology has accelerated the circulation of information and consequently intensified the rhythm of semiotic stimulation which is, at the same time, nervous stimulation. This double acceleration is the origin and the cause of the increase in labor productivity which has in turn allowed an unprecedented increase in the accumulation of capital. But it is also the cause of the hyper-exploitation of the human organism, especially the brain. Today we have the task of determining the effects that this hyper-exploitation has produced on the psychic balance and on the sensitivity of human beings—as individuals, but above all as a collective.

Typically, we associate desire with the flesh, with sexuality, a body approaching another body. But we must emphasize that the sphere of desire cannot be reduced to its sexual dimension, even if this implication is inscribed in history, in anthropology, and in psychoanalysis. Desire is not identified only with sexuality, and moreover one can conceive of a sexuality without desire. The pandemic has completed the process of the de-sexualization of desire that had been underway for a long time, as soon as the communication between conscious and sentient bodies in physical space was replaced by the exchange of semiotic stimuli in the absence of bodies. If this dematerialization of the communicative exchange has not erased desire, it has nonetheless moved it into a purely semiotic (or rather: hyper-semiotic) dimension. Desire then evolved in a de-sexualized, or post-sexualized, direction, which now manifests as a condition of isolation that the pandemic has normalized and almost institutionalized. [...] The phenomenology of contemporary affectivity is increasingly characterized by a dramatic reduction in contact, pleasure, and the psychic relaxation that touch makes possible.

The de-sexualization of desire indeed risks transforming desire into a hell of loneliness and suffering just waiting to be able to express itself in one way or another. The members of the generation defined, with ironic bitterness, as the last one (Z), those human beings who have learned more words from a machine than from the singular voice of a human, have grown up in an environment that is increasingly unlivable and pathogenic, either at a physical level (pollution) or at a psychic level. The communication of this generation unfolds almost exclusively in a techno-immersive environment, the consistency of which is purely semiotic. The de-sexualization of desire, the traces of which are everywhere, translates at the social level as a de-historicization of the motivations for collective action. We are witnessing a massive phenomenon of disengagement: majority abstention from traditional politics, desertion from procreation, the abandonment of work.

[keeennyyyyyyuggghggh]

tvc stream-of-conscious liveblogging ig ???

I’ve always been so interested in Louis’ growing fear and discomfort of Claudia, that exists beside his continued loved for her and need to do anything to make her happy. She is always going to have the body of a little girl, and he is always going to see her as one, not in the “you play with me like a doll” way that Lestat interacted with her, but in the way that a parent still sees their adult child as… well, a child. Because she’s his child. The more she distances herself from her childlike appearance, the more adult behaviors she adopts, the more foreign she becomes to him and the more he fears her— because she is no longer the little girl he knew, despite everything. She has so much bitterness towards him, says that she enjoys hurting him, talks to him like he’s a pet rather than a parent or even a peer, and he accepts this because he doesn’t know how else to be with her anymore. I think what is also unsettling is that she still has these moments of childishness, and she goes back and forth between acting like a lady and acting like a little girl. We have no way of knowing how the brain of a vampire is wired, but if we accept that much of Lestat or Armand’s immaturity is due to how young they were when they were turned, it makes sense that Claudia is unable to really, truly possess the mind of an adult— that she is always going to be vacillating between a child mind and an adult mind, that her death was always inevitable no matter where she went or who she met if only because she would become increasingly dangerous and mad as she continuously tried to reconcile these kind of…. Fractured ??? pieces of her mind????? I remember reading this for the first time when I was a kid and obviously feeling really freaked out by her and Louis’ relationship without being able to really fully analyze everything there, and reading as an adult, his own discomfort and horror with her is so much more apparent to me, but also her own behavior so much sadder… she’s only able to try to imitate how she sees adults behave with each other, she will never experience sex or romance herself, and she’s so isolated that Louis is the only person available for her to express her desires to. She only seems to recognize how inappropriate it is part of the time, and she reacts with anger and condescension towards him, which increases the more his discomfort increases. She hardly seems to understand what’s wrong with her, aside from the obvious issue of being physically unable to grow. There are these deeper issues under the surface that go ignored that Louis only hints at… idk. Idk that I’m making any sense, this is just what I’m loosely thinking about while rereading and maybe I’ll come back to this after I’ve organized my thoughts more but if I didn’t write them down now I’d just forget.

[echodoctor]

I feel like we, as a fandom, are seriously not using the full potential of Roland/Angela as a pairing. And I firmly believe that the missing ingredient is courtly love in the classically, gloriously fucked up sense.

I ship it in a way where they don’t fuck, but they’re not fucking so intensely that honestly it would probably be a lot less emotionally fraught if they actually were banging. 

Like, Roland will never, ever be over Angelica. He’s healing, he’s moving on, but half his bitter black heart went into the grave with her and Jae-heon didn’t bother digging it back up when he pulled her out. And even if he was ready to try dating again, falling in love with the person responsible for her death in the first place?

God, no. Even though he’s forgiven Angela, even though he understands her and has willingly let his anger go, that’s too much like a betrayal. He couldn’t bear it, the thought that he might wrong her, even now. 

He knows this. Angela knows this. 

And on Angela’s side... she’s come so, so far and I am so proud of her. She’s gone from seeing the people around her as burdens and tools to her dear friends and precious followers- it’s because of who she is now that the Library, after canon ends, is an organization, a community, in a way that L Corp never could be. She’s truly a leader in her own right now, not because she has the power to control everyone within her library but because she has the understanding of how precious they are, these lives she holds so completely in her hands.

Which is also why the idea of trying to date any of her patron librarians is a screaming ethical nightmare. 

She’s still so new to the whole concept of desire as something that can be fulfilled instead of an endless thwarted bitterness. And she wants so much, and it would be so, so easy to hurt these people, who are utterly under her power, by taking more than they’re able to give. They’re all still learning how to be with each other, feeling out the boundaries of what they are now and where they stand with her. 

Even and especially the man who is her closest lieutenant and dearest friend. There’s no need to hesitate in asking him to fight and die for her, as many times as she might need to flip the page and bring him back again and again- they understand that part of their relationship, it’s old and steady ground. But trying to put words to this loyalty, the thing that started as a lie and became the truth- that’s thin ice to walk on, and she doesn’t know what’s underneath yet.

She knows this. Roland knows this.

They’re also both silently aware that this hasn’t stopped either of them from falling in love anyway

He’s going to be her right-hand man in all things, and she will lead him into a future neither of them could have ever imagined. Even when asking the other librarians if they want to stay, they will absolutely never discuss why his presence at her side is a given, something that doesn’t even need to be questioned.

They’ll share every secret, understand each other more deeply than anyone else, and also absolutely never talk about their feelings on this matter.

Sometimes, when the day’s work is done, Roland will kneel down beside Angela’s chair and she’ll rest a hand on his head. This is the most intimate act in their lives, which is impressive considering that Angela and Binah are probably also making out by now. 

The entire rest of the increasingly complicated library polycule has no idea what’s going on with these two, because it is a weird and complicated dynamic that can only be expressed emotionally significant glances and killing their enemies with swords. 

tl;dr KNIGHT AND LADY DYNAMIC WHERE BOTH THE KNIGHT AND THE LADY ARE ALSO THE MONSTERS KNIGHTS ARE SUPPOSED TO GO OUT AND SLAY, FUCKING GIVE IT TO ME, I HAVE FEELINGS

[ilonga]

midnight rainstorms

The night the Empire rises, Sola’s sister finally comes back to her.

ao3

The night the Empire rises, it's pouring torrents of rain in Theed's streets.

Sola's first thought is for Padmé. It always is, these days. How is she? Is she alright? What will happen to all the Senators now? To Padmé, who had been the now-Emperor's protégé, so many years ago?

They had dined with the man, Sola thinks bitterly. Mom had made him her infamous fruitcake. Sola had served him tea.

She should have poisoned it.

She sends Ryoo and Pooja up to bed before they can catch another second of the broadcast. They don't need to be hearing this, at their age. Sola will explain it to them in the morning, after she's had the chance to organize her thoughts.

She's fingering her comm at the table, debating whether to call her parents and see if they've heard, when a frantic, pounding knock sounds at the door. It's almost unintelligible against the pounding of the rain.

She gets up cautiously. Few people have cause to visit this late at night, in the middle of a devastating storm. Even fewer with good intentions.

She'd never had a blaster in her home, but it's times like this that she wishes she had reconsidered. Its weight would feel comforting by her side even if she's never used one before in her life.

Sola peers out the window, trying to see who it might be. She can only make out a hazy figure through the rivulets of rain running down the window, small and petite, two bundles— babies?—in their arms.

She pulls away.

The knocking starts up again, stronger than before. Curiosity gets the better of her. She'll open the door.

She pushes it open—

"Padmé." Sola's hands fly forward, guiding her sister and the crying infants in her arms inside and out of the pouring rain. "Padmé, what is happening, who are—Shiraya, is that a blaster burn? Are you alright?"

It takes a few seconds for her words to register. When they do, Padmé's gaze flutters down to the scorch mark on her cloak then back up again to Sola's face. "I'm fine," she says grimly. "They missed."

"Who missed?" Assassination attempts? Again? Was tonight really so cursed?

"Clones," Padmé says, scarcely able to be heard against the shrieks of the infants—were those Padmé's children? Since when? "Our new Emperor's doing, I'm sure."

Shiraya save us, Shiraya save us— " What is happening?"

Padmé twitches. "I couldn't even begin to explain."

"Then start with them."

"Ah," Padmé says, a bitter smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Sola, meet Luke and Leia. Your new niece and nephew."

*

It takes them hours to calm Luke and Leia down. Ryoo and Pooja, mercifully, either are sleeping like the dead or pretending to, and don't clamber downstairs at the ruckus.

In the end, Sola manages to drag an old wooden crib out from storage, and a cocoon of blankets from under a shelf somewhere. They'd put the two to sleep, and now Padmé is slumped against the couch, hand braced against her face and increasingly avoidant of Sola's questions.

Sola, for her part, is standing, trying to will herself not to pace the length of the room. It'll only drive Padmé up the wall.

"Is the father…" she says hesitantly, "is he on Coruscant? Does he know?"

"Sola," Padmé snaps.

Sola lifts her hands in surrender. "I'm not attacking you, Padmé. I'm worried, that's all. I want to help you. And if he doesn't know—"

"If you want to help me," Padmé says, leaning her head back against the cushions of the couch and closing her eyes, "then stop interrogating me about my dead husband."

Sola freezes. "Your what?"

Dead? Husband? Since when?

Padmé's eyes snap open, then she deflates. She stays silent.

"Padmé. Padmé."

She doesn't answer.

"It was Anakin, wasn't it?" Sola rubs the heel of her hand against her eyelids. "That Jedi you brought home a few years ago?"

Her silence is all the confirmation Sola needs.

He's just a friend, Sola. But Padmé hadn't looked at him like he was just a friend. And Anakin certainly hadn't.

"Heavens, Padmé, why wouldn't you tell us?" But even as she speaks the words, Sola knows why. Padmé has always held Sola and their parents at arm's length—ever since the Invasion of Naboo, ever since she had gotten a taste of the danger that would follow her every day for the rest of her life. To keep them from worrying about her and to keep them out of danger, Sola guesses. But the end result is that they've drifted apart. She loves Padmé to death, can still read her microexpressions like an open book—but she doesn't know the first thing about her life. Padmé is a mother now, and Sola hadn't even known that she was married.

She's a terrible sister.

"How could I have told you?" Padmé says heavily. "How could I even have begun to explain? I can't even explain it to myself. It was the stupidest decision I'd ever made in my life."

Sola looks at her sister. Really looks at her. Padmé's the least put together she's ever been; dark circles etched under her eyes, hair a rat's nest, gaze miserable and unfocused. Grief radiates off of her in waves; but not regret. Not a single drop of regret.

"Did you love him?" she asks quietly.

"Of course I did." Padmé drags a hand over her hair. "And look how much good it did him. Murdered in cold blood and now he'll never even get to meet his children."

Right. Anakin had been a Jedi. And they'd all been executed for treason.

Or maybe—

"Could he have survived? He's a Jedi, they're known for—"

"No," Padmé says shortly. "He didn't."

Sola looks down. "I'm sorry."

"...So am I."

Another silence stretches between them. They were inseparable as kids; always chattering about one thing or another. Now Sola is at a complete loss for words.

Her little sister, dealing with things Sola couldn't even begin to imagine. With the galaxy's burdens on her shoulders. Dead husbands, newborn children, traitorous mentors, assassination attempts left and right—

She jolts up, the thought only just occurring to her. "Will you be safe here, Padmé? The Chancellor—Emperor doesn't know my residence, but Naboo would be the first place he'd look for you, wouldn't it? If he wants you dead—"

"I am dead," Padmé interrupts, something ugly twisting in her expression. "To him, at least. He never did learn to tell me and my handmaidens apart."

She looks up then, locking eyes with Sola. "You have to go to the funeral. Mom and Dad too. If he's watching—"

Sola clasps Padmé's hands in hers. "We will. Whatever you need."

Padmé closes her eyes again, exhaling. "Thank you."

Sola watches her a moment longer, then settles in by her side, pulling her little sister into an embrace. Padmé stiffens at first, then leans into it.

"Rest, now," Sola says. "We'll figure things out in the morning."

Padmé thankfully doesn't protest.

The downpour continues outside. Sola listens to its rhythm with an idle ear, wondering at everything that Padmé's lost. Everything that she's lost of her sister.

She settles into a seat by the window and waits for morning to come.

[thecarnivorousmuffinmeta]

What do you think would have happened if Harry Potter had never been born? What would the wizarding world look like? What about if Tom Riddle never would have been?

Ooh, interesting question, anon.

Harry Potter is Never Born

If Harry is never born this means that Lily and James never go into hiding, they do not have the prophesied child. Instead, Neville is the one who is attacked and, depending how you read JKR, Tom Riddle blows up there and Neville becomes the boy who lived.

Since we're in my land, though, I say that this does not happen.

Neville is not the boy who lived, whatever strange combination of events created that, per Lily's actions and feelings, or per whatever Harry himself truly is, I don't think Neville has the right combination of ingredients.

So, instead, Neville and his family all die that night, and there is no prophesied warrior.

Dumbledore likely tries to persuade everyone in the Order to get pregnant and aim to deliver a child by the end of July. Eventually, one of them will be a boy born towards the end of the month.

I'm going to go ahead and stick it on the Weasleys, they seem the type, so either Ron or yet another child is born and manages to fit the parameters of prophesied warrior child.

At this point, Tom realizes that Dumbledore's going to have his minions make babies until one of them fits the bill. He likely throws his hands in the air and goes, "No, I ain't murdering any more babies" and decides that he'll deal with this whenever he deals with this.

This has Dumbledore sweating bullets as this means that Voldemort is not marking the child as an equal. Also not good. Dumbledore likely spends all of prophesied child's childhood trying to lure Tom Riddle into making a move to acknowledge the child as his equal. It never works.

Peter is likely never discovered to be the spy, Snape never defects, though I imagine James and Lily's marriage does fall apart eventually as it becomes clear they want very different things in life.

Voldemort takes over the government, though likely he rules from the shadows, installing a puppet minister. He effectively destroys the sorting system, making the multi-house system only one house (which he says is Slytherin but is really just this meaningless concept). The great wizarding families likely still fall apart, the Black family is decimated, the Malfoy family is completely under his control, etc. And everyone, basically, has a completely miserable time.

The Death Eaters likely all but disband, there's no need for them anymore, now that Tom has full power they're a useless organization. Meetings with them just become weekly cocktail parties where they talk about how important they are.

Though Tom still keeps tabs on the Order through Peter (who becomes increasingly petrified he'll be discovered).

As for the Order themselves, they're declared to be domestic terrorists, and are hunted down one by one (Tom, in fact, knowing who every member is thanks to Peter). Different members begin dropping out, in fear for their lives and their families and seeing their own lack of effectiveness.

They've not only lost, but the wizarding world has embraced Voldemort, no one cares. Some become more extreme in their desperation (looking at you, Moody and Sirius), some flee the country (probably Lily and Remus), and some are caught in between a rock and a hard place (the Weasleys and James). Regardless, I imagine the organization crumbles.

Dumbledore probably makes some desperate, last, stand and tries to use the prophesied child (much to the Weasley's utter horror as it finally dawns on them exactly what this means) but it doesn't work out.

Tom Riddle becomes an immortal emperor.

And from there, we get into very large tangents so I think we'll just stop here.

Tom Riddle is Never Born

The Wizarding World and its woes look shockingly similar.

Perhaps there's no dark lord in the 1970's, but I imagine there's unrest and violence, spurred on by the more radical purebloods. Bellatrix, I can see engaging in arson/acts of domestic terrorism utterly unprompted and goading those like Lucius, the LeStranges, and other rich pureblood heirs into joining her.

Snape likely is consumed by bitterness, rage, and the desire for vengeance. I can see him murdering Sirius Black and then killing himself.

My point being, the Wizarding World's problems didn't stem from Tom Riddle, he took advantage of them.

Dumbledore doesn't see this because he believes the world is divided into great men and those that follow them, that it is men who create ideas rather than all of us being cogs in the great machine known as history. As a result, he'd likely blame someone else for stirring up trouble, probably Bellatrix in this reality.

Harry himself has a different upbringing.

His parents are likely divorced, due to how wizarding society works, this means he has no contact with his mother and a very conflicted view of her.

He likely has somewhat anti-muggle/muggleborn leanings because of what happened with his mother.

Harry is now the heir to the Potter line, and is being groomed for the day he'll take over his father's holdings and seat in the Wizengamot. While he's probably still sorted into Gryffindor, in desperate fear of disappointing his father, he's much more like Draco Malfoy in that he's the only child and heir to a very wealthy and powerful family.

He's likely still friends with Ron but never becomes friends with Hermione. In part because Hermione's an obnoxious muggleborn and also because there's no troll because there's no Quirrell (Quirrell is happily Muggle Studies professor and enjoys his life of not being possessed).

Anti muggleborn sentiment is still alive and well and Hermione has an utterly miserable time in Hogwarts. Especially as she has no friends throughout all of her seven years there.