#the timeless children spoilers

[buildoblivionthenwewilltalk]

listen as much as I didn’t really like the whole timeless children thing I do respect rtd not just ignoring it and rolling with the drama instead

[iknowimdespicableme]

My top 5 Doctor Who Episodes; And why!

DOCTOR WHO SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT!! I say the season and episode before I start analyzing, so feel free to skip some.

5. Vincent and the Doctor [5x10]

This episode was so touching to me on many different levels. Firstly, as a creative person who deals with mental health and ostracization, seeing a version of Vincent Van Gogh on screen felt almost healing. Acknowledging the hurt he experienced while not ignoring his joys was very special. On a technical level, the way that the episode visualized a way Vincent Van Gogh may have seen the world was incredibly eye opening and better allowed me to appreciate his art. Furthermore, the confusion Amy experienced during the episode regarding her memory was such an experience for two reasons; Firstly, it proved to us, the audience, how much she has grown to love Rory. Before, she was dating him because he was the only half-decent guy around. But, after learning more about him and spending more time with him, she is truly in love with him and this episode gives proof of that. Secondly, I experience dissociative fugue, wherein I may forget large aspects of my life, and this episode was so comforting regarding that experience. Yes, sometimes there are things you can't remember that make you happy or sad. You should embrace the feelings rather than ignore them or feel scared. And, finally, the moment where Vincent Van Gogh is able to see what the future of his art holds is a touching moment; and I like that it didn't save him in the end. Like the Doctor said, “The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don't always spoil the good things or make them unimportant.”

4. The Husbands of River Song [2015 Christmas Special]

I looked forward to finally watching this episode for so long leading up to it because I had heard such flattering things about it; and it didn't disappoint. After many episodes that felt lacking or one dimensional, this special brought back an element of camp, humor, and fun that had been missing, all the while including beloved characters and dramatic sequences. Allowing the Doctor an opportunity to see how one of his companions, especially River, acts when he is not around gives the audience so much more insight into her character and the Doctor a chance to learn and grow. Asking her about himself and learning that, although she may be worried or grieving, she finds these feelings worth it just to keep loving him. Considering how much River puts a mask on around 11 to not show her age and sadden him, it was refreshing to see a new side of her. Not to mention, the storyline for the special was interesting and compelling without being overwhelming in a way that took away from the characters. Although it's unlikely that the Doctor doubted River's feelings for him, this episode gave ultimate proof regarding how much she cares about him. Unfortunately, it also showcases how little River thinks of herself in relation to the Doctor. And, yet, there 12 is to prove her wrong when it mattered. Best of both worlds! Finally, the tenderness mixed with grief and understanding that we end the special with is such a perfect conclusion to River's story with the Doctor as it reflects their whole saga together perfectly. River's argument to the Doctor that, "Happily ever after doesn't mean forever, it just means time." was so special and the Doctor finally allowing himself to settle down (if only for a little bit) was exactly the kind of growth the character needed.

3. Wild Blue Yonder [2nd 2023 David Tennent Special]

I watched this episode yesterday and by gods it quickly skyrocketed to one of my favorites, where do I even start. Within the first few minutes of the episode, we are given many similarities and differences when comparing this Doctor and Donna adventure to their previous excursions. While they still compliment each other well, offering understanding and push-back, it is also clear the ways they have matured. Donna seems more in touch with her emotions and how she is truly feeling. When we first met her, she had a lot of anger and frustration within her from constantly being scrutinized and ignored. Now, we can see she is more peaceful and secure, even if below the surface some hesitation still lingers. Whereas, in the Doctor's case, he is so much more open to affection and vulnerability. The lessons he learned as 11 and 13 showed him that he could trust others, even if it is slowly. Although he is still trying to ignore or repress many things that have happened to him, he is at peace with them more than he was as 10. They both are less rageful. So, from a literary standpoint, just the beginning of this episode was wonderful. The classic "TARDIS fucks off somewhere leaving the company stranded" and "Doctor loses his sonic screwdriver and doesn't know what to do with himself for a bit" tropes came back swinging, and the way it affected the duo was wonderful to watch. The reality of the situation wasn't quickly swept under the rug or ignored because of a bigger problem, they got to sit in their fear for a while which was beautiful. The slow realization throughout the episode as if the audience is figuring out the answer at the same time as the Doctor just felt satisfying. Small, seemingly disconnected things coming together to form a compelling mystery. And, because it takes so long to give us the answer, we feel the carnal fear of the unknown just like the Doctor and Donna. I was tense when I realized they weren't talking to each other, but copies. I was scared when they were separated. And, the best part of the whole fucking episode, I didn't know who was who. That was terrifying! Up until the last second, I thought the Doctor had made the right choice, too! It kept me on the edge of my seat, informed me so much about the characters, explored a terrifying "what if" in a way only sci-fi can replicate, and was silly as hell. Loved every second. Also, the little robot guy was cute as hell.

2. Heaven Sent [9x11]

Explodes everywhere I love 12. This Doctor is characterized as a less nice, but still very kind regeneration. He holds so many conflicting feelings regarding the loss of the Ponds, his changing relationship with Clara, his perception of himself. I loved how he acted in his episodes. as socially confused, because it felt very familiar to me. The way his brain always seemed too loud and his loner energy was such a switch-up compared to 11. and yet so in character all the same. This episode carried this perfect essence of Doctor Who that felt lost in the majority of the last couple seasons. An entire episode where the Doctor is alone, and grieving, and loving, and problem-solving all at the same time was so compelling. Although it is clear I am more of a fan of episodes that focus on the characters and not the current storyline, this story was enthralling even if it took away from character moments sometimes. Do I wish we had more chances at the beginning/middle of the episode to properly address or reminisce about Clara? Yes. But, after watching the whole episode, it is clear why it was done. The setting for Heaven Sent was so intriguing, and the whole episode we are just wondering as much as the Doctor is; Why? Why is he being chased, why was he brought here, why are there shovels? It reeled us in. And then, once we realize the torture he is putting himself through, the dramatics, character information, and emotion we are given is so heart-wrenching. Evidently, Clara gave the Doctor a comfort greater and worth more than 5 billion years of torture. Could you imagine that? The depth of his love for Clara is given so much of a spotlight in this episode, and I am frothing at the mouth for it. Especially considering how they may frustrate or hurt each other, they still know each other. They help each other. And goddammit, he is not going to let her go. But, this stubbornness isn't necessarily a good thing. One important thing about loving someone is knowing when to let them go. This love for Clara was selfish the same way her love was for him in these intense moments where they sacrifice themselves for each other. They were doing it to prove something to themselves, to get the other back because they couldn't accept they were gone, not because it would be a better existence for the one in danger. Clara didn't want to be saved, she was being brave. And this imperfect grief the Doctor experiences was so achingly realistic. When I lost my cousin, it was so hard to accept. I wanted to ignore it, I wanted to be angry, I wanted him back. But, in the end, it was his time. This journey the Doctor goes on regarding yet another loss felt so powerful. He was forced to feel this and it hurt, he couldn't just try and quickly forget about it or sulk on his own terms. At the same time, the revelations he comes to throughout the episode were so reassuring to hear someone outside of my own head say. "It’s funny. The day you lose someone isn’t the worst. At least you’ve got something to do. It’s all the days they stay dead."

Turn Left [4x11]

This comes as a surprise to no one as someone who has been PREACHING character > story. This episode, while being a perfect set up for the finale, tells us so fucking much about the Doctor and, more importantly, ABOUT DONNA! Without Donna, there's no Doctor. Without the Doctor, everything goes to shit! Seeing as we, the audience, are usually seeing the universe by following the Doctor, a companion-focused episode was so refreshing. We got to learn so much about who Donna is, what her life back home was like before we met her, and gave realistic consequences to her actions. FUCK YEAH! It felt grounded, it felt interesting. I also adore the theory that every action we take splits us off into a new universe or timeline, so this episode was so perfect for me. DONNA'S INTERACTIONS WITH ROSE!!! Their comradery and understanding, the way Rose takes Donna under her wing, a moment where we see them as real people without the Doctor intervening or affecting the discussion. The importance of Donna to the universe being made so clear. WILF'S FLASHBACKS!! It's been forever since I saw this episode, but it is so rewatchable and makes me so interested every. single. time. The end of the episode is bone-chilling, with her literally killing herself to save the universe. And then!! The Doctor being out of the loop for once and understanding the severity of the situation with the return of the Bad Wolf. Explodes everywhere, words do not do justice the pure love, respect, and admiration I have for this episode and every actor, producer, tech person, writer, involved. Thank you GODS for this episode, I love you turn left. This lesson that every single person is indispensable and important sets up that conversation in later seasons and eventually becomes the main reoccurring theme of the show. Every Donna Noble, Rose Tyler, and Martha Jones of the universe is important and loved and unique and dbiubibjbjbgiufgbfgu you get me?

Honorable mentions:

The Parting of Ways [1x13]

The first finale of new who, and it was so gooooood!! Tied up the Bad Wolf hints, gave interesting endings to the TARDIS crew, told us so much about the ninth doctor, gave us confirmed ninerose, had a compelling storyline behind it, and just a classic good episode to go back to.

Tooth and Claw [2x2]

I know I've been mostly talking about the character implications of my favorite episodes, but this one was just interesting and fun. I loved the dynamic between the Doctor and Rose, the adventure, the silliness, the royal family being involved. Just a good, well-paced, wonderful episode.

The God Complex [6x11]

This episode was so yummy. While I was watching 11's seasons, I did get the vibe that Amy looked up and admired the Doctor in an unhealthy way and I loved how this episode addressed this. The idea that this thing was taking the forms of people's worst fears, the mystery of what the Doctor saw, the interesting characters, the understanding on what a God Complex actually was, its wonderful!!

The Timeless Children [12x10]

This may be controversial and I don't care!! I loved the way this episode was structured. I was confused and interested the whole time and when it fell into place I actually had to pause and pace around because OH MY GODS!!! it was a well-done reveal that had such interesting implications and I believe every reaction was in character and made sense. At first, I was upset about the loss of the former perception of the Doctor; Just a regular ol' guy who decided to act out and, above all, be kind. Suddenly, she was from another universe and was the original timelord and i was a little sad. But, the way it has been handled after feels so fitting, and it puts the rest of the show into perspective. All of the confusing things that set the Doctor apart from the others, it made sense now! I loved this episode, I thought it was a great.

The Village of the Angels [13x4]

I LOVED THE FLUX!! getting to have a old-school style season wherein the who season was just one problem was so cool and allowed for so much information! This episode specifically was so compelling. I loved the Professor Jericho; was SUCH a great addition to the TARDIS crew, and the way the handled the angels was arguably better than Time of Angels + Flesh and Stone. They were terrifying, the mystery was intriguing, and the characters were interesting!!! The only difficult part of this episode was keeping track of who was who as someone who has difficulty recognizing faces. Besides that, I fucking loved The Village of the Angels.

[mintyimperiatrix]

doctor who spoilers //

i’ve been peddling pre-hartnell shalka doctor for YEARS, basically since the timeless children aired, and everyone said i was mad. well look at us now, with shalka doctor canonised and nowhere to place him but before 1

[angels-in-overcoats]

ngl I'm kinda over doctor who trying to do these grand lore-changing finales and just wish they'd stick to making some good one off sci-fi adventures for a little bit

[the-last-teabender]

So hear me out. (spoilers and shit theories follow)

So I saw someone on my Facebook feed theorizing that RTD is warming up to reveal that the Doctor, like Maestro, is a "Child of the Toymaker." And has been saying "please do not do this."

Now. If RTD were to establish that the Doctor, the Definite Article, the Timeless Child, was the Toymaker's child, I'd agree. It's not out of the realm of possibility, but I'm not sure yet if a reveal like this would have any payoff beyond shock value and canon welding.

But I would argue that the he could lay claim to the Fifteenth Doctor specifically as one of his "children." Bigeneration was a result of regenerating in the midst of that "state of play" beyond the bounds of order and chaos. And frankly, everything in this Doctor's era so far has existed in a state of play. Sky goblins. Musical numbers. Fourth wall breaking. Flashbacks bleeding into present action. MORE musical numbers.

I am becoming more and more convinced that the Doctor is not a child of the Toymaker, but that the Fifteenth Doctor specifically was "born" of the Toymaker's influence and thus operates unwittingly as one of his "children." And just as the Toymaker's domain is games and Maestro's domain is music, the Doctor's domain is his own television show.

It's a nuts-ass theory that is absolutely wrong but that's never stopped me before.

[extremlynerdyfairy]

Someone call me Dimension 20’s MatPat, cause I have some INSANE theories to share!!

‼️⚠️Spoilers for Fantasy High: Junior Year (Mostly Ep. 13 and back)⚠️‼️

❤️‍🔥🔮🌹Theory #1🌹🔮❤️‍🔥:

Cassandra is in the court of stars?!

When Adaine goes to the court of stars, I found something peculiar in Brennan’s description of the interior of the place. He mentions how in the center of the room, there’s a MASSIVE rose that is surrounded by shimmering, indigo-purple energy. Who in this entire franchise has been associated with those colors and Brennan ALWAYS described their magic/aura having that same vibe?

CASSANDRA!!!

WHAT IF the timeless rose in the court of stars is one of the few remaining items that has some of Cassandra’s essence?

But that’s not the end of it. The rose is described a huge rose, right? You could even say it’s GIANT sized. If my phrasing wasn’t obvious enough, I think the rose might’ve had a deeper meaning/connection for both Ankarna and Cassandra. I googled it, and it’s said that roses usually bloom around early spring and late autumn. This means that PEAK rose blooming season could possibly be summer. Ankarna’s domain.

So there’s a possibility (or better said a hunch) that a possible old gift amongst these two forgotten and corrupted deities is in Fallinel. But considering the fact that a monument about the wedding is in Fallinel, I wouldn’t be surprise if the flower in question is what remains of a bridal bouquet (roses are traditionally associated with love and are a popular bouquet options for weddings…👀). But we’ll see if anything will from this crazy observation of mine.

👹🔥👨‍👩‍👧Theory #2👨‍👩‍👧🔥👹:

Who’s Fig’s REAL daddy, really?

I know this might seem like a bit, but I think it’s one worth thinking about. Usually Tieflings are just descendants of one mortal being and an infernal being. To my knowledge (and I encourage any DND buffs to fact check me on this), Tieflings can pop-up in a family tree as long as ONE of the bio parents has infernal blood or ancestry in them.

Now, why does this have to do with Fig’s bloodline? Gilear even stated in sophomore year that him and Sandra Lynn weren’t having bedroom fun before fig came along. Well I’ll bring you this question as a rebuttal: If Gilear was always aware to some degree about Fig not being his, how did Sandra Lynn get away with that lie for MANY years?

My theory is that Sandra Lynn originally didn’t know WHO fathered Fig since (and I’m just spit balling here) she probably had adult fun with Gilear shortly after Gortholax (probably due to guilt and making sure Gilear didn’t catch on to the cheating) and basically decided to wing it and after Fig started growing her horns didn’t hesitate to consider Gortholax the father. BUT WHAT ABOUT GILEAR’S DEMONIC BLOODLINE?! We recent learned Gilear is a descendant of Backur and we know that the curse attached to the Feith family is past on to the eldest of the family to the oldest of their children.

What if Gilear IS Fig’s bio dad AND that Fig being a Tiefling was because of Gilear being a descendant of Backur?!

Tbh this is a theory I’m only 65% sold on, since I’m not sure my DND knowledge is correct or if Brennan’s world even operates under those same rules. But it’s fun to think about.

🐀🤓😈Theory #3😈🤓🐀:

Kipperlilly, the rat grinders, and Ankarna?!

I know that the season is leading up to a final confrontation between both of these adventuring parties, but here’s the fun question to ask:

WHY? Why the FUCK are these nerds SO determined to have the Bad Kids eat shit?

Very simple answer. Conquests. ✨ACADEMIC✨ Conquest. We know the rat grinders are basically exp farmers and (in many ways) are dark parallels to many of the Bad Kids own party members (Buddy and Kristen, Ruben and Fig, Oshin and Adaine, etc.). And we’ve seen how salty they are (Cunt-head Bitch face, especially) at how the Bad Kids (despite many of them not taking their academics seriously) are able to achieve things the Rat Grinders think THEY deserve. And who was recently revealed as a goddess of Conquest? Ankarna.

But HOW would the Rat Grinder’s know about Ankarna?! Well… remember Lucy?

Lucy’s death is very much hinted to be caused by the other members of her party (tho, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s revealed that it was someone else, most likely Kalina). But WHY did Lucy die?!

What if Lucy was trying to pull a similar stunt that Kristen pulled in sophomore year? After all we know Lucy wanted to switch gods and the name on the paper for that switch within the school was blank. Kinda like the god’s name wasn’t found or couldn’t be said…like Ankarna. I 1,000% believe that Lucy was trying to bring the uncorrupted version of Ankarna back (similar to how Kristen brought Cassandra back from her Nightmare King form). How she found out about Ankarna is a whole entire debate (maybe from her original goddess or through research, we’ll find out what more episodes released) but we are left with one MASSIVE question:

WHY DID THE RAT GRINDERS KILL LUCY?! What could they possibly gain from killing their friend?! Well…what if the rat grinders didn’t want Ankarna uncorrupted?

Afterall, Ankarna’s corrupted domain (that of conquest, rage, and dominating over others) fits better with Kipperlilly’s need to be the best at the school. I wouldn’t be surprised if the rat grinders’ end goal is to use Ankarna’s corrupted domain to help them (mostly Kipperlilly) win the elections.

After all, Cunt-head Bitch-Face did make it VERY clear from the beginning that her goal is to see the Bad Kids get what they deserve (which is expulsion) for their lack of academic integrity; and, for her party (the group that has been doing things by the book this entire time) to get what THEY deserve. Absolute power over the school.

Those are all my theories! PLEASE share your thoughts. And remember, it’s Just a theory… A DIMENSION 20 THEORY!!!

(Note: I went back and fleshed out a bit more theory #3 because I was writing it at 2am and forgot to add a few of the important details of that theory 😅)

[go-to-the-mirror]

Simm!Master appearence

Canon Toymaker/Doctor

Millennia and/or Rallon mentioned

Timeless Children mentioned or discussed

Donna remembers more than she says

Rose Noble also remembers

Shade thrown on UNIT

Rose Tyler mentioned

Fourteen's last words reference to "I don't want to go."

The music that plays when Fourteen regenerates references Vale Decem

Donna dies

The Doctor sits like a faggot

Free Space

Rose's plushies have a connection to the Toymaker

The Doctor's sorta suicidal

The Toymaker wanted Donna and the Doctor to get back together

Spydoc typical Saxteen hostility

Donna is upset at being almost left behind

The Doctor gets angry at Sylvia

David Tennant's back problems are aggravated

The Doctor kisses a man

Opportunity for EU (extended universe) with Fourteen and Donna

The Doctor tells Donna about the Flux and the Timeless Child

References to The Celestial Toymaker

Too many spoilers for Thirteen's era

[exo-levi]

Timeless

Title: Timeless Reference: AoT, Taylor Swift's Timeless (parts of it) Pairing: Levi Ackerman x Fem!Reader Universe: Reincarnation!AU, Canonverse Period: AoT Season 4 and Postwar Warning(s): Small amount of spoilers from the manga ahead Theme: Fluff & angst Word count: 1.5k words

Disclaimer: - AoT Universe belongs to Isayama Hajime. - Song used belongs to Taylor Swift

Summary: Haunted by vivid dreams of a past life, she embarks on a quest to uncover the mysteries behind her connection to Levi and a world plagued by Titans. As she delves deeper into the past, she encounters a man who bears an uncanny resemblance to Levi, leading to a profound realization that their love is truly timeless.

It was a tranquil day, perfect for a leisurely stroll through town. The streets were dotted with neighbors engaged in pleasant conversations, relishing the beautiful weather at the park, and the joyful sounds of children playing filled the air. This picturesque scene was a rarity, particularly for her.

Normally confined to her apartment on weekends, she had ventured out today in an attempt to escape the relentless headache that had plagued her for the past two days. It wasn't an illness but rather a persistent sleeplessness that had left her head throbbing.

For nearly a month, she had been experiencing peculiar dreams that seemed almost like vivid memories. Some were nightmarish, inducing terror capable of jolting her awake, while others were warm and filled with longing—for something, for someone.

The previous night was no exception, with her headache intensifying. So, she had chosen to take a walk to clear her mind of the unsettling dream she had just experienced.

"Stay with me," a deep voice had echoed in her dream.

Although everything appeared blurred, the voices were crystal clear. Cries and screams reverberated, creating a cacophony of chaos.

"Levi…"

Who is this Levi?

The eerie feeling of familiarity that accompanied the name lingered, as if she had met him somewhere before. Dismissing it, she continued her walk. Whoever Levi was, she resolved to deal with him—or forget about him—later.

A few steps later, she abruptly halted, inexplicably drawn to an antique shop she had never entered before. While she often passed by it on her way to work, she had never ventured inside. Yet today, an inner impulse guided her through its doors.

As she explored the store, her eyes danced over an array of beautifully preserved items—pottery, vintage furniture, memorabilia, and more. It was remarkable how these artifacts from bygone eras still retained their original charm and pristine condition.

Guided by an unseen force, she eventually reached the counter where a slightly worn-out box captured her attention. In bold marker, it read, "25 cents each." Curiosity piqued, she peeked inside and found it filled with a multitude of old photographs.

"See anything you like, dear?" the shop owner inquired.

"Just looking, Ma'am," she replied with a warm smile.

The owner nodded, "Feel free to browse at your leisure."

Thanking her, she selected two photographs. The first depicted a young woman, radiant in her wedding dress, while the other captured the same woman and a military man sharing an affectionate smile. The love evident in their eyes was undeniable.

Leafing through the stack, she couldn't help but smile at the love story that unfolded before her. These photographs painted a tale of a couple's romance from the 1940s, evoking dreams of an enduring love. The images strangely reminded her of Levi.

…Levi?

That enigmatic name returned, flooding her thoughts once more.

***

"I love you," he whispered in her dream, his eyes locked onto hers in the dim light of their surroundings. Her fingers tenderly brushed through his hair, gently tucking it behind his ear. "I love you too," she replied breathlessly, the aftermath of their passionate encounter still lingering in the air.

Tomorrow marked the day they would reclaim Wall Maria, and they had seized this precious moment to be together before the impending battle.

The memory from her dream played on a loop in her mind, and she couldn't help but be unsettled by the persistent presence of this man named Levi. She had never encountered anyone with raven hair and a stern yet handsome countenance—certainly not in her waking life.

***

"Levi…" she murmured incredulously.

The rain poured relentlessly, drenching her surroundings. There he lay, her beloved, covered in blood and surrounded by shards of wood from a nearby explosion. He looked lifeless. Kneeling beside him, she cradled his head and drew him close, silent tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Would you look at that, our biggest threat is covered in his own blood," Floch muttered from behind. "Let's shoot him in the head," another soldier suggested.

"He's dead," Hange declared. Her eyes met Hange's, and the unspoken understanding between them led her to maintain her silence, her gaze unwaveringly fixed on Levi.

"He was caught in a Thunder Spear explosion at point-blank range. Internally, he's in pieces," the soldiers explained. Floch insisted on checking Levi's pulse, but both she and Hange remained quiet. Before Hange could respond, a nearby Titan began to steam, revealing Zeke beneath it. The soldiers' attention quickly shifted, providing an opportunity for her, Hange, and Levi to slip away. They escaped, rescuing him from the brink of death.

***

"I have brought all the reports from Captain Levi, Ma'am," a cadet reported.

"Thank you, cadet. You're dismissed," the co-captain acknowledged.

With a salute, the cadet left, and the co-captain delved into the files, diligently tending to her captain's duties. Amidst the paperwork, a small folded paper slipped from one of the folders and landed on the floor.

She picked it up and unfolded it, revealing a heartfelt message. A soft smile graced her lips as she recognized the familiar handwriting.

"Don't overwork yourself and always stay hydrated.

I love you.

Levi."

It was the little gestures, the sweet notes, and loving sentiments that Levi conveyed that never failed to warm her heart and rekindle her love for him. She placed the love letter aside, alongside the other letters Levi had written, with the intention of showering him with affection after a long day. He unquestionably deserved it.

***

"Do you ever think about what you'd do when this is all over?" she asked Levi one day.

Levi was taken aback by the genuine question, pausing to contemplate his response. "Hmm," he began, "I'd like to build a Tea Shop."

"A Tea Shop?" she quizzically inquired.

"Yes," he replied, his gaze fixed on her, his voice a soft whisper, "and you'll be there."

Her eyes widened in slight astonishment at his sweet declaration, and then she smiled. She reached out, her fingers gently combing through his hair before caressing his soft cheek. "I'd like that, Levi," she whispered back. She leaned in for a kiss, and as they parted, she continued, "And we'll have a garden outside the Tea Shop, so customers can dine there too. Doesn't that sound wonderful?"

Levi chuckled softly at her unexpected enthusiasm. "It does," he concurred. He reached for her hands, bringing them to his lips and planting a tender kiss on her knuckles, his thumbs gently rubbing them. "We'll end this war, and we'll live in peace, together."

His sudden displays of affection never failed to melt her heart and renew her love for him.

"Together."

"Always."

***

"Connie!"

Before Connie could turn to see who had called his name, a powerful shove from behind propelled him out of harm's way, narrowly avoiding an imminent Titan attack he hadn't seen coming. The young woman who had saved him was not so fortunate, as the Titan's teeth sank into her leg during her heroic act. She lost her balance, and in her fall, a claw sliced through her side, causing further injury.

As she plummeted to the ground, Levi caught her, having swiftly moved from a distant part of the battlefield. Gently laying her down, he assessed the extent of her injuries.

"Stay with me," his deep voice echoed.

Although her vision blurred, the voices were clear and distinct. Cries and screams surrounded them, creating a scene of utter chaos.

"Levi…" she whispered weakly, her lifeblood staining the earth beneath her.

In response, he knelt beside her, his expression a mask of concern and fear. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her. "I've got you. I'll bandage your wounds and get you out of the combat zone," he promised, his voice trembling.

"Levi…"

She interrupted him, prompting him to meet her gaze. His breath caught in his throat, and his heart raced. He couldn't lose her, not now. "Wrapping my wounds will take time. You need to go back out there and help the others," she insisted, her voice strained. "I'll make it quick. Don't worry."

"Don't."

She interrupted him once more. "Please, Levi, let me go."

He whispered her name, his voice choked with emotion. "I can't lose you like this. We're on the brink of ending this war," he pleaded.

"You won't lose me. We'll find each other in another life," she assured him with a sad smile. Her hand reached up to wipe away a tear that he hadn't realized had fallen. He was silently weeping.

"I love you," she whispered.

He couldn't accept this. They were so close to victory, and he couldn't fathom a life without her. This wasn't what either of them wanted, but if it was the hand fate had dealt them, there was little they could do.

"I love you too."

"Finish this war without me. I have faith in all of you."

Levi leaned down and pressed his forehead on her own, tears escaped the moment his closed his eyes tight. His lover leaned to him closer to kiss him passionately.

"I'll see you later," she whispered.

***

Her heart ached as much as her head did as different memories kept flooding in her mind. She closed her eyes tight for a second to recover herself and realized she's been staring at the same box for who knows how long. She returned the photos in the box and went out of the shop.

Enough of this.

The young woman sighed. Hopefully, she'll find an answer.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, yet the ache in her heart remained. She resumed her normal life, following her mundane routine, but it felt as though a part of her was missing. Her dreams, those memories from a different time and place, haunted her relentlessly.

One evening, as she gazed out of her window at the setting sun, an overwhelming restlessness consumed her. The need for answers had grown too strong to ignore. The strange connection she felt to the name "Levi" and the vivid memories that felt so real could no longer be dismissed.

Taking a deep breath, she resolved to embark on a quest to unearth the truth behind these haunting memories. She threw herself into research, scouring old books and articles, desperately searching for any mention of a Levi who might have lived during the time of her dreams. It was a long shot, and the odds were against her, but an unshakeable feeling told her that this was important.

Weeks stretched into months as she painstakingly combed through historical records. One day, she stumbled upon a faded photograph in an ancient journal—a black and white image of a group of soldiers. In the center of the photograph stood a man who sent shivers down her spine.

"Levi," she whispered his name aloud, as if to confirm his existence. The man in the photograph possessed the same raven hair and stern yet striking countenance she had seen in her dreams. It couldn't be a coincidence. The journal provided some details about a group of soldiers who had fought in a war against colossal humanoid creatures called Titans. It was a war that had occurred over a century ago, and most of the soldiers had perished.

Delving deeper into her research, she discovered that the war against the Titans had taken place in a world vastly different from her own. A world where humanity lived within colossal walls to protect themselves from these monstrous entities. It was a world that should have had no connection to her, yet the memories and emotions she experienced were undeniably real.

With newfound determination, she decided to seek out a local historian who specialized in that era. Perhaps this historian could provide more information about the soldiers who had fought in the Titan War, particularly the mysterious Levi.

The historian's office was a cluttered treasure trove of ancient documents and maps, a testament to his lifelong dedication to his field. He listened attentively as she recounted her dreams and the inexplicable connection she felt to a past life.

After a long pause, the historian finally spoke. "What you're describing is known as reincarnation memories—a phenomenon where individuals recall events and emotions from their past lives. It's rare but documented."

"But why do I have these memories, and why do I feel so connected to this Levi?" she implored, her desperation palpable.

The historian leaned forward, his gaze a mix of curiosity and sympathy. "It's possible that your soul carries the memories of a previous life, and for some reason, they've resurfaced in this lifetime. As for your connection to Levi, it's a mystery. Perhaps you were deeply entwined in that past life, and your souls remain bound in some way."

Leaving the historian's office with more questions than answers, she knew she couldn't stop now. The memories of her past life were like fragments of a puzzle begging to be pieced together. The sensation of her connection to Levi felt more than mere happenstance.

The following day, she decided to visit a teashop she had never frequented. It was a small, charming establishment with an atmosphere of tranquility—an ideal setting to collect her thoughts and attempt to make sense of her experiences. As she entered and settled into a corner table, an inexplicable sense of déjà vu washed over her.

Ordering her favorite tea, she watched as steam curled from the cup, her thoughts drifting back to the memories of love, war, and sacrifice that had played out in her dreams. It was almost as if she could hear Levi's voice softly murmuring, "Together, always."

Lost in her thoughts, the teashop's door swung open, and a man entered. With raven hair and a stern, yet striking countenance, their eyes locked. Time seemed to stand still as recognition flooded over them both.

"Levi?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

His eyes widened in disbelief as he made his way toward her table. "I… I don't know how, but I remember you," he said, his voice filled with equal parts incredulity and longing.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she reached out to touch his hand, and he covered it with his own. In that moment, the inexplicable connection between their souls became undeniably real.

"I love you," she whispered, just as she had in her dreams.

"I love you too," he replied, their love transcending time and space.

As they sat together in that small teashop, hand in hand, they knew that their reunion was no mere coincidence. Their love had endured through the ages, a love that was truly timeless.

About. Masterlist. Taglist.

Yours truly,

Rowan.

[homesweetgoodneighbor]

Incoming theory/personal wish for Chronos' next punishment that might contain a mild spoiler or two for Hades 2:

.

.

.

I've given Chronos' impending defeat some thought.

See, he's Time itself, right? Can't be stopped. Not literally.

Bold motherfucker that he is pulled one over on fucking Primordial Chaos, of all beings, and Chaos does not seem at all pleased about this.

Chaos cannot be affected by time because they are timeless and basically the creator of everything including Chronos; however, Chaos will also know that if they want to their "experiment", as they refer to their creations, to continue, time cannot just cease to be. (Also, they are admitting to themself that they are quite fond of some of their children and are not at all happy they stopped visiting and why.)

Cutting Chronos into chunks didn't work.

I want Chaos to turn his ass turned into a trillion grains of sand, dumped into an hourglass that will count only one grain per year, and cursed that any escape attempts will not only immediately self-repair any damage to the hourglass, but flip it over to restart the count.

And, I want it to be given to Hades as a fucking decoration for Persephone's garden.

Melinoe on a date with Icarus watches the garden hourglass explode again: Oh don't worry. That's just granddad throwing a tantrum. Zag probably mooned him again. It'll fix itself in a second.

.

.

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

Or, as a bigger insult, since Chaos is timeless and can reach into the future to create things like a stunning suit for themself, I would be happy with Chronos being turned into a novelty watch to be worn by Chaos. Bedazzle that fucker.

[episodeoftv]

Prelims, Vote 1 of 8

The top 4 finales will move on to be included in the main bracket

Propaganda is under the cut, may include spoilers

Agent Carter - 2.10 Hollywood Ending

Just as Peggysous became canon, just as Jack is about to start his redemption arc, they cancelled the show and left all of us on a massive cliffhanger for, let's see, almost 8 years at this point. We need ANSWERS.

Daybreak - 1.10 FWASH-BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

It was written as a cliffhanger for a second season that would never come, but it just felt flat. The one objective that our leading lad (Josh) had been chasing (saving Sam) was rendered pointless, because the moment the big bad was defeated she effectively declared herself the new big bad and everyone who wasn't a major character went 'hmmm, okay!' And accepted it! They didn't even address this all that well, just ended with a shot of the MCs looking shocked.

Doctor Who - 12.10 The Timeless Children

this finale is shit!! absolute ass! nothing happens in it for it to justify having such a cool name. the master captures the doctor, shows her a slideshow that amounts to ‘‘you’re adopted!! :)" doctor breaks out of her matrix prison thing by overloading it with memories when the matrix is The Supercomputer and it’s used to hold all memories of all time lords ever? you know, the species whove been doing their thing for a billion years and live up to 10,000 years? the doctors new memories should either already be there or make nary a dent in it. the doctor’s like ‘‘why would they do that! why would they lie?’’ girl they have been lying to you since forever. they killed you once. theyve tried to kill you so many times. they turned you into a fucked up anti time monster that one time. one of the doctors past past selves even told her it doesnt really matter!! what was even the point

Loki - 1.06 For All Time. Always.

The series was going downhill past Episode 3 tbh, but it really just was a load of crap only interested in setting up the multiverse

Tales of Arcadia - Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans

This finale undoes everything the show worked for. In order to give itself stakes it kills off a few characters, but in a way that only indirectly impacts the MCs (such as Jim's Mom's fiancé getting killed). Then, at the end of the special, the main character uses time travel to go back to the start of S1E01 and changed history so he never becomes the trollhunter. Instead he makes his next friend the trollhunter instead. In terms of anticipation it was not at all what anyone was anticipating. (I had assumed he'd go to the start of the special and defeat the titans without any casualties). Having undone time only he remembers the previous timestream and he makes no effort to engage with it outside of accepting his changeling principal far sooner.

Ted Lasso - 3.12 So Long, Farewell

This trash ass finale undid three seasons of character development for every single person involved (except Nate!). A long-distance parent returned "home" despite having no attachments besides his child and leaving behind his entire found family, an abused and neglected woman was left behind by the person who taught her she didn't deserve abuse and neglect, and two characters who spent the whole show learning to cooperate and care for each other got into a fistfight over the girl they both dated.

Torchwood - 3.05 Day Five

No propaganda submitted

[theender36]

⚠️ Spoilers for Doctor Who: Empire of Death ⚠️

I liked this finale a lot and I just wanted to get my thoughts out while they're relatively fresh.

First off, so very glad to have one of the rare NuWho finales that doesn't involve the Daleks and/or the Cybermen and/or the Master. Nothing against those villains, it's just very common for the show to cram them in there.

I appreciate how any time in this new era that the Doctor faces off against a god, the stakes are appropriately high and we actually see the effects of their inteference (e.g. the Toymaker plunging the world into chaos, the gloomy and bleak atmosphere of a world without music and the devastation that it leads to, Sutekh's universe of dust and death).

I don't think the shot of Sutekh perching on the TARDIS in the time vortex was meant to be goofy but it kind of was. Anyway, they made up for it with the sequence of him being dragged and scraping along the edges of the vortex because that was pretty sick.

Felt super bad for Mel when she was being taken over by Sutekh. She held on for a good while though. Probably all the carrot juice.

That sequence where the Doctor meets that lone woman in order to find a piece of metal could be its own 2-minute short film.

It seems to me that there's still a lot left to find out about Ruby which hopefully they'll explore next season since Millie Gibson said she'll be returning. I think the main mysteries are A.) why does the snow follow her; B.) what exactly caused the events of 73 Yards? Because in my mind, I don't think her alternate timeline life was caused by breaking the fairy circle, I think it was something about Ruby herself.

I enjoyed Ruby's mum being just a normal person. If she was an existing character or someone very powerful and cosmicly important, it would never have lived up to audience expectations. And besides, we've had plenty of Impossible Girls, Timeless Children, and River Songs. It's much more fulfilling to Ruby that her mother is just a regular person who tried to keep her safe. And it's a lot easier for her to meet and form a fresh relationship with her mom if she's not an alien or a time traveller. However, I thought the explanation of why Sutekh was interested in her identity was kind of weak and made up of circular-logic. She's invisible to him because Ruby saving the universe relies on her because she's important because she's invisible to Sutekh. Maybe I got that wrong?

I'm very intrigued by who Mrs. Flood could be. I thought she was another servant of Sutekh because of how she started hyping up his return in the previous episode but it's evident that she's an unrelated party now. I think it's most likely she'll be an entirely new character, within the realm of possibility that she's a new form of Missy, slight chance she's River, no shot that she's the Rani. She doesn't seem like she's doing any heinous experiments, she's kind of just narrating and viking.

Looking forward to the Christmas special and any possible spinoffs in the meantime.

[animefeminist]

The trans resonance of Haibane Renmei

Content warning: self-harm, suicide, body horror, dysphoria.

Spoilers for Haibane Renmei.

Haibane Renmei is a timeless anime whose relaxed pace and quaint atmosphere belie a powerful exploration of adolescent depression, self-harm, alienation, and suicide. The series has been a well-loved little gem for twenty years now, and has been important to me for nearly my entire adult life. When I first watched it, I was nineteen and grappling with my own depressive spiral, and it’s held a place in my heart ever since. It’s been over a decade since that first viewing and I’m a very different person, going by a new name and new pronouns. And while I’m no longer a mark for a story about teen suicide, I’ve discovered that, in light of who I’ve become and what I’ve learned, the series resonates with me in an unexpected and beautiful new way.

Haibane Renmei follows winged children called Haibane who hatch from egg-like cocoons in a rustic walled purgatory and live out their days until they’re ready to fly over the town’s walls and begin their new lives. And while the series almost certainly wasn’t created as a deliberate trans allegory, it’s riddled with enough trans-adjacent themes and motifs to make it worth discussing in the same breath as Land of the Lustrous. 

Read it at Anime Feminist!

[ivaspinoza]

Raskolnikov's fever

— an essay on prefigurations in ''Crime & Punishment''

This essay ''discusses'' many characters without providing detailed introductions, so readers who haven’t read the book might find some aspects unclear. However, this shouldn’t significantly affect the overall understanding. Oh, and obviously: this essay contains spoilers.

PART I

With an ''irritable state of mind'', ''so absorbed in himself (...), so isolated from anyone else'' (p. 5), Raskolnikov is an entire generation's timeless mirror, amusing himself with fantasies. ''Just pretty pictures'' (p. 6) for him, harmless thoughts.

He meets the stranger, the drunk man who believes and screams: ''Why should anyone feel pity for me, you say? Indeed! There's nothing to pity me for! I ought to be crucified, crucified upon a cross, not pitied! Crucify him, O Heavenly Judge, crucify him and, when it is done, take pity on him! And then I will come to thee for mortification, for it is not merrymaking that I seek, but sorrow and tears!'' (p. 29)

Marmeladov, whose words are a mystical warning, or a prophetic path for Raskolnikov to walk on, still cries: ''O Lord, thy kingdom comes'' (p. 30), revealing the only hope of a man who knows he can't save himself. Why is always the blackest sheep that adores her shepherd the most, sleeping at his feet after rescue?

Raskolnikov's heart faints, falling gradually, forgetting its own cries for light. His mind is too important. He is so tired from working!

''What sort of work?'', Nastasya asks.

''Thinking'', he answers.

''Nastasya fairly rolled with laughter''. (p. 37)

When the reality of his mother's letter strikes him, what is all that thinking good for? His beloved sister deals with life's business for his sake, while he hides in the shadows of his dreams, distancing himself from objective reality, from virtue, and from life — he exclaims like a victim: [I will] ''(...) turn my back on life altogether! (...) Obediently accept my fate, such as it is, once and for all, and stifle all my aspirations, renouncing every right to action, life and love!'' (p.54)

Well, that is the path he is already on, by his choices. The choices of how he thinks and understands the world, life, and love.

His fate is being made with every single one of his thoughts; thinking and thinking with diligence still doesn't mean you're thinking the right thoughts. One can, and frequently one does, think wrongly. And what is worse: believe its own thoughts as truth!

Where is truth, so we can have a comparison? Raskolnikov doesn't know. He remembers Marmeladov's words:

''For every man must have at least somewhere to go...'' (p. 56)

Rodion meets the prefiguration of Sonia, who also carries something of Dunechka, especially in the way Svidrigailov preys over her. At first, the obvious response to that drunk lady, clearly the victim of some bad-intentioned people, was to ask for the police officer just like he did and to care deeply: ''are we just going to let him get his hand on her? Aren't we going to try to fetch her home?'' (p. 59)

Which suddenly turns into: ''Forget about it! Let him have his bit of fun!'' In an instant, he was ''utterly transformed''. (p. 61)

Does the audience feel disgusted, or do both believe objective morality doesn't exist?

Raskolnikov ''studied intensely, not sparing himself, and for this, he was respected [in the university]; nobody liked him, however. He was very poor and at the same time somehow haughtily arrogant and uncommunicative: as though he were keeping something to himself. Some of his fellow students had the impression that he looked down on them all from a certain height as though they were children, as though he had outstripped them all in terms of education, knowledge and convictions, and that he views their convictions and interests as something inferior.'' (p. 63) For better contrast, we are presented with the description of the good-natured Razumikhin, the humble, at this exact moment.

Raskolnikov thinks: ''Wait for a moment: did I really think I could put everything right just by going to see Razumikhin, find a way out in the person of Razumikhin?'' But he is too proud. He is determined to write his fate, and blame it on circumstance, on coincidence, even on the divine hand, as is common for human beings.

Raskolnikov's soul didn't give up yet, though. He falls asleep, poor feverish creature, sick to the bone, and dreams of his childhood. Isn't it in childhood where all the horror begins?

He sees the old church, that ''he loved'' (p. 68). He sees the little grave of his brother — the shadow of death, also in holding his father's hand. And then is about the old little mare, about Alyona Ivanovna; but does he know that? The thinking mind seems to lose track of what is important, essential, truthful, and real.

''Get in, I'm going to take you all!'' The mare's owner, Mikolka, screamed, leaping into the cart first. ''She eats her oats and gives nothing back! Get in, I say! I'll fly there at the gallop! I'll make her gallop!'' (p. 69)

''He [Raskolnikov] felt towards her [Ivanovna], at first glance, without knowing anything particular about her, an unmasterable sense of revulsion (...)''. (p. 78)

'Papa, Papa!', he cried to his father. 'Papa, what are they doing? Papa, they're beating the poor little horse!' 'Come along, come along!' said the father. 'They are drunk, playing mischief, the fools; come along, don't look!' (p. 70)

''(...) the student had suddenly begun to tell his companion all sorts of details about Ivanovna. (...) 'Only she's a horrible old cow...' And he begun to relate how mean and capricious she was (...)``.

''Little jade began to tug with her might but not only was she unable to set off a gallop — she could barely manage to move forward at all (...)'' (p. 69).

The student said: ''I'd murder that old woman and rob her of all her money, and I swear to you, I'd do it without the slightest twinge of conscience.' (p. 80). Pretty images, harmless. Just thoughts, ideas, vague words — weightless.

Who could measure the intention of the human heart?

''Flog her to death!', cried Mikolka. (...) She belongs to me! I'll do as I like with her!'' (p. 70)

I am her god: her life is mine. My desire is sovereign. I answer to no one: I am the law. I am perfect. I face no consequence! That is the testament of the cruel, twisted hearts, through all generations. I will climb the tower, and sit on the throne.

''Whip her on the muzzle, on the eyes, on the eyes!', Mikolka shouted'.

But young Raskolnikov was crying (p. 71). He escaped his father's grip and ran to her. The mare was flogged and everyone sang a song, while she fought until her last breath, while Mikolka was angry that he wasn't strong enough to kill her with one blow (p. 71).

''and then shall be revealed the Lawless One, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth'' (2 Thessalonians 2:8a, Young's Literal Translation).

''She'll fall down in a minute, lads, it's all over with her now!' one versed in such matters called from the crowd.

'Take an axe to her, for God's sake! Get it over with quickly! cried a third.''

(...)

'Finish her off!' Mikolka shouted, leaping out of the cart as though he no longer knew what he was doing. (...) Mikolka stood to one side and began to beat her on the spine with the crowbar at random. The jade stretched her muzzle forward, uttered a heavy sigh, and died.

'That's the end of her', people shouted in the crowd.

'She ought to have galloped.'

'She belongs to me!' Mikolka shouted, holding the crowbar, his eyes bloodshot.'' (p. 72)

I will do with her life as I please. And so the student kept in the same line of thought, as Raskolnikov still listened.

''I was joking just now, of course, but look: on the one hand you have a nasty, stupid, worthless, meaningless, sick old woman who's no use to anyone and is, indeed, actually harmful to people, who doesn't; even know herself why she's alive, and who's going to kick the bucket of her own accord tomorrow. Do you get my meaning? Do you?'' (p. 80)

Her money could be used for something better. Everyone has being negotiating with her and using her, but no one remembers. No one knows how she got there, was it hard? What did he have to endure? What thoughts hide deep in her heart? Oh, the old lady is a cow, she doesn't have a heart. She is not human.

'One death to a hundred lives — I mean, there's arithmetic for you! (...) common balance? No more than the life of a louse, a cockroach, because the old woman is harmful. She's wearing another person's life out: she's mean: she bit Lizaveta's finger out of meanness the other day; she very nearly severed it!'

'Of course she doesn't deserve to live,' the officer observed. 'But then that's nature'. (p. 81).

In the end, the student would say that it's not his business. But what about the thoughts? Could those words be taken back? Pretty images, harmless. Just silly thoughts and intentions that mean nothing.

Raskolnikov keeps being superstitious, volatile, and influenceable. Oh, if just some day he would notice that he actually doesn't not think by himself, but he is a product of his generation's poor line of thought!

Superstition is the devil's version of faith: why would he listen to that conversation if not by some kind of heavenly sign that he was right? What an amazing coincidence! Maybe it was his destiny! No, he didn't consider that listening to those words could be a warning, a chance to listen to such twisted thoughts from a stranger's mouth and be horrified, so he could then recognize the monster within himself and stop the madness from consuming him.

Back to the nightmare, ''with a howl, he forced his way through the crowds towards the little grey mare, flung his arms round her dead, bloodied muzzle, and kissed it, kissed her on the eyes, on the lips...'' (p. 72) He even runs and attacks Mikolka, ''hammering him with his little fists.'' (p. 72)

''Papa! The poor little horse... Why did they... kill it?'' (p. 72).

His father's answer seems too simple, but it's true: they are drunk, up to mischief. (p. 73). Drunk in their own thoughts, blind and lost. Raskolnikov wakes up from this nightmare and asks himself: will I do it? With the axe? (p. 73).

He asks God: ''Oh Lord, will I really?'' (p. 73).

In the silence, the answer could be an echo. Will you, Raskolnikov?

''O Lord', he prayed, 'show me my path, and I will renounce this accursed.... Dream of mine!'' (p. 74).

But He already did, Rodion.

Foa slaver one moment he was free, in the next, slave of his own desire again. The power of choice is so often underestimated. He searches for the excuse, he walks into the trap only to say it was preordained. The reality of morality is the fact that we have a choice (always). The reality of our helplessness is how we choose.

''Ugh, the way the sleeps!', she [Natasya] exclaimed indignantly. 'He does nothing but sleep, either!'' (p. 82). Rodion's laziness is a portal through were his life and self-control escape. Razuminkhin is always working (serving). Raskolnikov is always tired, self-absorbed, lost in his mind. When he finally finds the courage to eat, his vision of an oasis is not only the answer to his last prayer but also prophetic. He could stay in those warm sands, and make his way to peace much shorter, but the human heart is rebellious, stubborn and arrogant.

He thought about everything until ''he was satisfied'' (pg 86). He found delight in his own plan. Not for one moment did he consider that the previous choices led him to this place. He considered himself smart enough to overcome morality through reasoning. The human mind is above the Natural Law. He was immune to the kind of failure and childish behaviour criminals display soon after the crime. In fact, what he had planned was not a crime. (p. 87) He was the law, like Mikolka. He decides morality. Her life is his to take. ''Flog her to death!''

When the time came, he even thought ''Shouldn't I just go away?'', but he ignored himself. Things were done purposely (p. 92). When the old mare opened the door, his intentions spoke louder than his words: she was scared. (p. 92) And when the axe went down, so was his consciousness. But his soul cried, seconds later, he was deep into madness, considering the possibility that Ivanovna could still be alive, somehow. He, who thought he had everything planned and under control, who wanted to commit his crime so carefully that no blood would stain his clothes, ended up covered in it. (p. 96) Blood stained hands by the murder of the old lady and her child-sister.

''And if at that moment he had been capable of seeing things in better proposition and of making decisions, if he had been able to perceive all the difficulties of his situation, in all its desperate monstrous absurdity, and to realize just how many problems he would have to overcome and how much villainy he might have to perform in order to get out of this place and arrive back home again, he might very well have abandoned the whole undertaking and gone at one to give himself up, not out of fear for himself, but from a simple feeling of horror and revulsion at what he had done.''

But Raskolnikov is too proud to repent, he thought he could do it and leave with clean hands. He thought no one would come, but later he found himself on the other side of the door, on the difficulties of the run, and then he cried: ''Oh Lord, what shall I do?''

You shall not murder.

''The rags and tatters of vague thoughts swarmed in his head; but he could not seize hold of a single one of them, could not focus on a single one of them, even though he tried to force himself to...'' (p. 106).

-

READING MENTION LIST If Dostoevsky or lit essays are not your thing, feel absolutely free to ignore the mention, my beloveds. If you want to join this list, DM me or reply :)

@caustic-splines @hersurvival @icantdance @poetici @informedimagining

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@crow-with-a-typewriter

[thethirdromana]

If you think about it, both Dorian and Dracula were ruining/taking lives while maintaining/regaining youth. Though there's no portrait in Dracula's case, unless you count his oldness going to youthful Jonathan.

You're right, the more you look for parallels the more considerable they become.

Going to pop the rest of this under a cut for Dracula spoilers and discussion of suicide.

While Jonathan doesn't explicitly age like the portrait does, he undoubtedly looks older once Dracula has finished preying on him than he did at the start, as well as the other ways in which he and Dracula swap places (e.g. Dracula going out wearing Jonathan's clothes).

Association with both of them is damning too. In Dracula's case literally, as the people he feeds on become vampires in turn. In Dorian's case because he drags his victims down with him. Sometimes that is also literal: it includes two deaths by suicide, namely Alan Campbell and "that wretched boy in the Guards", and suicide is traditionally a mortal sin.

There are parallels in their victims. Dorian makes use of social convention to avoid the consequences of his actions, particularly as an upper-class man who preys on lower-class women (among others); an affair with him is socially ruinous for women but he comes out nearly unscathed. Dracula doesn't choose his victims quite as deliberately, but his choice of Lucy has the same effect. For instance, when Dracula lures Lucy out of the house in Whitby, Mina's first priority is to keep that a secret for the sake of her reputation.

They are both at their most powerful in their own spheres: Dracula in Transylvania, Dorian among London high society. They struggle when they step outside those spheres: the people in the opium den come much closer to recognising Dorian for what he is that anyone from the upper classes; Dracula is foiled by travelling to England. We don't see Dorian leave the country (we know he goes on holiday, but that doesn't really count) but I feel like if he went fully out of his sphere, he might be more readily identified. (A factor here is that Bram Stoker is more willing to demonise a foreigner than Oscar Wilde is willing to demonise the British upper classes).

And writing this has made me realise that pop culture Dracula - suave, sexy, encouraging people to lose their inhibitions - actually resembles Dorian quite a bit more than actual Dracula.

There's also at least one difference where you might expect a similarity. A key theme in Dracula is the relationship between the generations: Dracula is old age eating youth, Van Helsing is old age guiding and advising youth.

Meanwhile, something that strikes me about Dorian Gray that it's oddly timeless; we get told that twenty years have passed, but there's never much of a sense of that beyond everyone else looking older and Dorian remaining unchanged. No one has children, no one dies of old age, society and technology seem much the same from the start of the 20-year span of the novel to the end, despite the significant changes of the late 19th century.

And that timelessness, I think, is part of how little the novel is interested in the relationships between generations. There's not much sense that Dorian is now a middle-aged man (by Victorian standards, don't get annoyed with me, I'm in my 30s too) acting out a young man's role. There could be, it would be consistent with the plot, but that's not something that Wilde explores. There is a very strong message that Dorian should be a better person but not that he's behaving in an age-inappropriate way.

(I wonder if this relates to the novel's autobiographical elements. It can be fun and sexy to think of yourself as debauched and evil and corrupting but not so much as someone who's just been acting like a teenager for a decade too long).

This plays into other things as well. Dracula is a deliberately modern novel: it has telegrams, typewriters and trains. It's the battle of the modern against the medieval. Dorian Gray doesn't have any of these things. The conversation in chapter 3 about Americans is very much of its time, but there's not much else that places the action anywhere in the 19th century in particular. Dorian Gray is captured by a portrait, not a photograph. And he lives an oddly old-fashioned life, in some ways, for someone who is supposed to represent the Spirit of the Age. That's not a criticism of the novel, but it feels notable. It makes me wonder how Dorian Gray might have differed if Dracula had been written first and Wilde had read it.

Anyway, that was probably more rambling than you wanted, anon, but thank you for the ask, it was fun to consider :)

[deadal3x]

"Stories of The Forgotten Demigods" MASTERPOST

Series and fics found on Ao3. Series link is here

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MINOR SPOILERS BELOW CUT.

if you have any questions, please- ask me using CuriousCat or, ask using my Inbox! My asks are always open- and be sure to follow my Twitter, as I am constantly talking about the series over there!

FIC LINKS:

"Sealed his Fate (Change the Prophecy)" A Fic following Damien Monroe and Grayson Bailey throughout the years leading to the Battle of Manhattan. (Details their life through the Five PJO books)

"Every Scrap of You (Would Be Taken From Me)" A Fic following twin characters Wyman and Warren O'Connoly as they find their place in the world as demigods, following a devastating loss. The twins must persevere as they help in the efforts against Kronos's army.

"A Mask of His Disguise (You don't know What He's done)" A fic following Alexander Jason Wayne as he discovers the truth about his father; who just so happens to be a greek god- and the truth about his mother's past and upbringing. Turns out, AJ's not the only demigod in the Bates-Wayne family. (Details my Sona's life from the time he gets to camp throughout the major events of the Riordanverse.)

"Always an Angel (Never A God)" A story told from Ethan Nakamura's perspective, giving us the full story of what truly happened on the Princess Andromeda. There was No Love on that boat.

"Rose Tattoo (You'll Always Be There with Me)" A fic following Russian demigod Canobie Nikolaevich Volkov as he struggles to escape captivity from the Russian army, navigates life post escape, and how his role in the war against the Romans play out.

Giants Fall (Who Will Save Us?) [RELEASE DATE TBD] Follow Damien Monroe as he fights to stop Gaea from awakening; and how he learns to separate himself from his past, and truly begin his healing process. (details Damien's story through Heroes of Olympus to Trials of Apollo, and COTG/WOTTG)

"Morph (They're Just A Ghost)" [RELEASE DATE TBD] A story following the forgotten Chase cousin- Jasper, son of Loki and Randolph Chase. (Takes place during MCGA.) Jasper is stuck trying to follow the right path when he gets the news his cousin Annabeth is in town, and that his other cousin, Magnus has died. Read to find out how Jasper finds himself with a family he never thought he'd have.

"You're on Your Own Kid (You always have Been)" You've heard the stories of their children. The endless pain, the wars, and more the demigods fought in. Now, it's time to hear how they came to be. How their mortal parents met the gods. (A deep dive into My OCs Mortal Parents' lives before they became the parent of a Demigod Hero.)

SIDE SERIES:

"Grayson Bailey's Poetry Book" ❝True suffering is the pain that isn’t physical.❞ This collection of Poems are canon and non-canon poems written by the eldest son of Dionysus himself, Grayson Bailey. each non-canon poem will be specified. Typical canon trigger warnings apply.

PLAYLIST LINKS: (songs are still being added to them!)

Overall Playlist for the Series, "Stories of The Forgotten Demigods"

A Master post for the Cabin playlists is here

A Master post for Canon Character playlists is here

A Master post for The OC Playlists is here

A playlist of solely Taylor Swift songs that fit SoTFD.

A playlist of solely Twenty One Pilots songs that fit SoTFD

"I don't like to celebrate my Birthday"; A playlist based on Damien's "Cursed" Birthday; aka December First.

Strawberry Wine; A playlist for Grayson Bailey and his love Interest, Chris Rodriguez.

Timeless Pomegranate; A playlist for Luke Castellan, and Damien Monroe.

Strawberry Ghosts; A brotherly playlist for Damien Monroe and Grayson Bailey

Pomegranate Wine; a playlist for the ship Castrien (Damien X Castor)

Undead Soldiers and their general; a playlist defining Damien and Clarisse's friendship

Wysdom and War; a playlist for the twin children of Athena.

[doctor-who-dvd]

ok so I just finished watching Ascension of the Cybermen (not realizing it was part 1 of the series finale) and like. I'm kind of curious to know what happens next but also I apparently haven't been in the mood for, like, actual plot or anything bc all I was really paying attention to was the parts that thirteen was onscreen for so I don't even really know what all is going on

so the dilemma here is do I watch the Timeless Children now (and finally get all the lore that I've seen too many spoilers for already) or do I go and rewatch Spyfall (bc I might actually be able to get some work done AND see jodie whittaker in that suit again) and watch the Timeless Children tomorrow???