#this is the place for a truly fucked up irredeemable bastard

[ohbother2]

OKAY SO-

Alastor lost his cool and flipped his shit immensely when Lucifer showed up - why would that be? and why wedge himself between Lucifer and Charlie? Why would he react so viscerally when his literal main-competitor for retaining his rank and respect is Vox, and Vox openly antagonises him first, trying to drag Alastor's reputation through the mud in his broadcasts

Alastor remains cool, calm, collected, and in doing so completely surpasses Vox's attempts

in many ways, Alastor is unflappable. Always smiling, always a step ahead, always the most powerful and domineering in a room

and then- Lucifer shows up. This short statured, rosy-cheeked, rather pathetic excuse of a man

he waltzes in to the hotel, a fumbling over-excited mess, the least threatening a person could possibly look in hell, barely reaching Alastor's waist

and yet, he outranks Alastor, he could over-power him easily, he is the predator

and Alastor simply cannot handle that

Alastor may be furious that such a week-minded, emotionally unguarded man ranks so far above him with no way for Alastor to even attempt to gain the same status

so what does Lucifer lack? what is the one thing Alastor can have that he can't?

a relationship with Charlie

his anger is calculated, he finds what hurts Lucifer, he finds his weakness, he grips onto it with both claws, and he drags it in front of him, mocking the fact that, yeah, sure Lucifer may outrank him, but in his daughters mind? one of the few things Lucifer can't control? Alastor has the power, has the lead - in all manners of 'power' and 'influence' that Lucifer cannot control, Alastor makes sure he knows he is on top - he is Charlie's favourite, he succeeds where Lucifer has failed her

regardless of his motives, he has been there for Charlie, and Lucifer hasn't, and that's all that matters

but why does he have this deep-rooted need to prove himself? why can he not accept that he is still the second most powerful in that hotel?

his need for power, for dominance, for control is shown again when Husk confronts him in the hallway

'big talk for someone who's also on a leash'

this time, Alastor doesn't even bother targeting Husker's, insecurities, his weaknesses

he drags him down the hallway chained at his neck, teeth gnashing and positively enraged

there's no typical Alastor intelligence or cunning behind this action - it is pure unadulterated rage, it's a: I can kill you, and I will

killing husk would be useless - Alastor obviously has a purpose for him, that's why he's been kept alive and the other overlords haven't, killing him would get rid of any leverage Alastor had, it would get rid of Husk full stop

Alastor has been gone for 7 years, and now he's back, supporting a cause he doesn't believe, forced to wander around the hotel halls and haunting its residents instead of freely roaming Hell

Lilith has also been gone 7 years - and she isn't yet back

Alastor just so happens to appear at the hotel mere moments after Charlie tries to talk to Lilith, marching into the foyer and wedging himself into the project with a showman's flair

he is chained, he is chained to that infernal hotel where he doesn't belong - he cannot be redeemed, he doesn't want to be redeemed

he is chained to Lilith, and by extension he is chained to Charlie

and in his eyes, he is powerless, so utterly and infuriatingly at the mercy of those above him, and that simply won't do

so what can he do? what can a man, whose greatest desire is power, who's biggest insecurity is the power and status he wields over others, do to reclaim some semblance of that power? how can he usurp Lilith? how can be make this soul-bond beneficial to him?

he can win Charlie over - he can replace her father in the process, he can mould her as he sees fit, he can play on her need to view the best in everyone, in the need to create friendships and her insatiable ability to care for those around her

he cannot get to Lilith, he cannot match Lucifer, but he can have Charlie

and he's nearly got her

and when he does? who's to say her naivety, her trust, the relationship he's intentionally crafted with her, leads her to strike a deal with him in a moment of need? when the angels attack, when the hotel begins to crumble, when heaven commands her to stop her efforts? why wouldn't she strike a deal, in her mind, he's as caring as a father figure, and a man who's been there since day one unlike either of her parents

she shakes his hand

he has her soul

he has Charlie, and he has Lilith, and he has Lucifer

there's nothing they can do, and isn't that really what power is? not raw-strength, not magic, not status, but the ability to control those who others may believe to be above your own station?

he's forced to the hotel, he's chained down and unable to grab for more power - if Lilith is preventing him from earning it himself, well, he can always just force her to give it to him

all it takes is one hand shake.

the cherry on top? he get's to show Lilith it's her own desire for him to be at the hotel that has allowed him to ensnare them all

[scrawnytreedemon]

Ooh, how about Hojo for the ask meme?

OHOOOO, I HAVE A L O T TO SAY, BABY-- Especially after seeing that final showdown, oh boy.

(hfhdkjfhjkj sorry for this being late!! had many thinsg to do <33)

For context, I know jack-shit about Dirge of Cerbeus, and I’d rather it stay that way. Vee has scarred me enough with her recollections from the wiki alone, and unless we finally do that shit-movie night we’ve been meaning to for awhile, I’m not touching it with a ten foot pole.

First impression: Horrible rat man; nasty. Your run of the mill Mad Scientist except somehow Even Worse. Perhaps a little generic at times. Pervy fuck. Probably has a bunch of obscenely lewd magazines in his study. Fuck him for fucking over absolutely everyone that’s gotten within ten metres of him. This guy fucks, and that’s how we got Sephiroth. -1/10, Worst Scientist, Husband and Father of the Year.

Impression now: I... I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think I like him now, unironically. You win, Hojo Fuckers. Seeing that scene at the control panel, I think that man’s genuinely depressed-- Like, ‘I’ve devoted my entire life to my work to numb the pain but now I’ve realised it’s all for nothing and it’s fucking useless and I’m fucking useless and there’s nothing for me to do other than sacrifice myself for my son, who fucking hates me.‘ Like... Jesus Christ, I did not expect him to be so self-aware. He’s still a downright horrendous person and many of the things he’s done, if I believed in such a mindset, are downright irredeemable. Basically, I actually like his character now-- full-on -- even if he’s still a right bell-end.

Favorite moment: The rooftop scene. Jesus Christ, man, that changed my whole view on him. The way he’s actually becoming aware of how wrong he was, and how it weighs on his mind-- How, almost absently, as if he’s saying it more to himself, he tells Cloud he should become a scientist. It’s a small thing... But it speaks to a level of respect I don’t think Hojo has had for anyone in a very long time. He’s been brought to his limit, willing to give anything and everything so that the one thing he’s done right, his son who he gave up to further his now-dead career, succeeds in world-annihilation. What really gets me is that moment in the fight, where you’ve ended the first phase, when he says, apathetically, how he hopes the Mako juice is going-- And then he turns into a monster. This horrendous, twisted thing that’s barely held together by skin and sinew-- Probably one of the most downright-horrifying things in this entire game --And it’s just... like... wow... he broke.

Idea for a story: A fic where him and Sephiroth actually try and make amends. I’ve seen this guy killed off-screen so many times, and everytime, I am deeply disappointed. I get it. Hojo’s probably the worst character in the game. He has no morals and no boundaries, and he’s irritating as fuck-- I get it --But he’s also the reason all of this shit has happened, and is such a vital character in the forming of the story, in Sephiroth’s specifically, that I want him to be done justice. I want to see one of them reach out to the other, and slowly, bit, by bit, by agonising bit piece together something vaguely resembling a foundation for their relationship. I want to see them reminisce over the few good times they had together, and address deeply the many, many bad ones. It’ll be painful, and there will be many bumps in the road where they’ll feel like there isn’t even a point to this shit, and yet push on despite that. Because despite everything, they are family-- And not because they are obligated to, but because they’re choosing to. I want to see that. I really do. I’ll probably write it myself.

Unpopular opinion: I think my newfound appreciation of him in general, lmao. I won’t get into the paternity debate, as I’ve addressed that in Vincent’s post and another one. Perhaps the fact that I think it’s stupid that the scientists in FFVII get referred to by their first names-- Like, who does this shit??? Who out here thinks Hojo sounds like a first name??? It’s just... Really unprofessional and I don’t think Hojo is comfortable enough with anyone to just have them call him by his first name. Also Dr. Faremis Gast sounds better than Dr. Gast Faremis. I know it’s a pun in Japanese but I don’t give a shit. Fight me.

Favorite relationship: Him and Sephiroth, because there’s just, alot of shit. I don’t think he was ever truly close enough to Lucrecia for me to get invested-- It’s clear the relationship, though while initially stable and they probably got along well, was one mostly of work --And I don’t think there’s anyone else close enough to Hojo’s character to serve as another option, either. Maybe Vincent, but again, that was through Lucrecia. Seph and Hojo have this dynamic where strained doesn’t even begin to describe it. Hojo thinks Seph doesn’t know and Seph thinks Hojo doesn’t know that he knows-- And it’s painfully clear that had it not been for Hojo, Sephiroth wouldn’t have been so unstable. There was alot of abuse, physical and psychological, that got framed as ‘work,’ and it’s undoubtebly fucked with Seph’s very concept of ownership, and who owns another. It’s clear that on some level, Hojo feels shame for what he’s done-- Not guilt, shame --And is unwilling to let the boy(and perhaps even himself) from knowing his true parentage. Part of it’s definitely spite for Lucrecia, but there’s more. I could go one for hours, honest to god, so like, feel free to tack on your own ideas, fellow trash conoisseurs.

Favorite headcanon: Him being Wutaian. Not sure if it’s entirely headcanon, but like, it really is ironic. I personally think his family moved to Midgar while he was still young-- Perhaps due to a faction split -- so he grew up on the Eastern Continent, so he was stuck in this weird middle space alot of immigrant or descended from immigrants children where on one hand, you’ve got your family’s legacy, and you probably, if not fluently, speak their native tongue and carry out their traditions, and on the other hand you’ve grown up with people who’ve been here for generations and inevitably get moulded by their ways and their customs, perhaps to the point you’re more culturally theirs than your native land’s. If we’re going with the faction split, I think Hojo leans hard into the latter, out of a deep-seated indignance. Maybe his family were fairly influential, before they had to move to what was, no doubt, a less than idyllic neighbourhood. I think part of what made him want to become a scientist was that need to regain that honour, that dignity-- It’s very self-centred, and clearly didn’t work out.

Thank you Vee as always-- You incredible bastard --For both asking and also rambling with me about this grease-weasel for like, a good long time.

Knowing my luck I just might’ve gotten another hyperfixation. A terrible one. Fuck.

And to anyone who’s read this far, thank you! As always, feel free to throw in your own thoughts, whether they be replies or reblogs. I’m curious to know what the general vibe is about him(other than Haha Stinky Goblin Rat), as I don’t think he’s talked about all that much? Maybe I’m looking in the wrong places.

Anyhow Hojo Fuckers, I owe you a beer. Not a good one, probably tastes of piss, but knowing you lot, that’s probably just fine, lmaooooooo. Keep up the ungodly work <3

[raindrenchedstories]

Bitter Sweet 4

His recovery didn’t take long after a steady diet of mermaid blood. Shanadoh grew more mobile, and made a point to start serving himself the moment he could. Every so often he’d catch himself staring at Holly.

For once, he wasn’t exactly looking at her as a hated enemy. He started to take note of her slim, toned structure. The way her hips swayed as she walked. How the light played over her scars illuminating them in interesting patterns.

He stopped. Shaking his head and dispelling the thoughts forming. No. It was still Holly. She still wasn’t any person he’d want to associate with. Not her. Why was he even looking at her like that?

“It should be ready by now.” He was snapped out of his trance, slowly glaring at her. Before she pointed out the bowl of hot water his latest meal sat in. He sighed. Pulling it from it’s container and emptying it into a mug. He took a long sip. Still watching her.

Holly fidgeted with something in her hands. Before shaking her head and placing it back in her pocket. “I’ll need to take a look at your back.” Shanadoh heaved a long sigh.

He strode for the nearest stool and leaned his elbows on the table. Still drinking. Holly slowly unraveled the bandages on his ribs, staring at his injury. She patted his shoulder gently. “It’s looking good. Actually if you want... I think we could leave now.”

He sputtered around his most recent sip. Causing a small mess. “You’re serious?” He swiveled his head as far as it would go to look at her.

“Yeah. I’ll send ya’ with some extra packs of mer-blood. But you should be fine.” Holly heaved a sigh, shoulders dropping. She looked both relieved and exhausted.

“Good...I’ll clean that up.” Shanadoh stared at the mess on the table. Standing slowly, careful not to smack Holly with his spikes as he passed. Soon enough he returned with a cloth and mopped up the spill.

He then left for his room. Pulling his belongings together and stripping the bed he’d been sleeping on. Even if he hated Holly he had to admit she did him a solid. He made sure he showed it.

The moment he left the room, his stuff under one arm and the laundry under the other, he caught sight of her. Standing in a large window, staring out. The way she looked. The slight way she hugged herself. Her forlorn expression. He sighed loudly. Causing her vision to snap back to it’s harsh, penetrating glare.

“You ready?” She strode over to him. Shoulders square. He nodded, setting the blankets in a laundry basket and offering his arm. She took it, activating a rune on her skin, it glowed to life as they flickered from one place to another.

He’d never seen this part of the bar. A musty old whine cellar. Several expensive bottles lined the shelves. It was almost a maze. Holly pulled him along guiding him through the stands carefully.

She led him to a set of stairs and up them. Knocking twice on a door sitting at the top. It opened for them. Both new arrivals were faced with a bright eyed man, a bushy beard tied together with a blue ribbon at the end. He gave a grin and allowed them past. Shanadoh had to do a double take.

“Friend of yours?” He nudged Holly gently.

“Brother’s employee.” She opened a door leading to the back of an alley. One he knew well. It was were he first spotted Holly. He gave a short chuckle. Shaking his head.

“This brings me back. As I recall we had out firs-heh- ‘date’ right around that corner.” He smirked down at her. Holly just laughed. Nudging him forward and swiftly kicking him in the rear.

“Get out of here. You mangy stray.” She shook her head. Shanadoh turned giving her a curt bow at the waist before he turned to leave. Only pausing for a moment and casting a glance over his shoulder.

“...Thank you. By the way.” He grumbled. Giving her a sideways glance. She just shrugged. “See you around. Dinner.” He vanished into his little wormhole after that. A deep mist surrounding the spot he’d come from.

Placing his helm on his head he searched for a proper path. Somewhere he could follow. Normally his mist took him exactly where he wanted to go. This time though, the pathways were muddled. Many led right back to where Holly had been standing. Or to the house he just left.

He couldn’t understand it. Deep down he knew he wanted to go back to Holly. But he fucking hated her. Everything about her made his skin crawl. So why? A small part of his brain twitched to life. Life...She saved his. He would have bled out right there if Holly hadn’t showed up.

Shanadoh snarled. Baring his teeth openly. “That. Little. Bitch.” His instincts. That’s why he wanted to go back. Holly saved his life. Every part of him screamed that he owed her a life dept. That he should stay with her until the bitter end.

Even if she was an irredeemable cunt. He shook his head. No. He was going HOME. He was going right back to his father. Laying down on his own fucking bed. And sleeping. There would be no going back to that bitch.

Stubbornly he pressed forward. His room becoming much clearer now that he had a place in mind. Even if several paths led back to Holly, or places he knew she frequented. He ripped his way through his mist. And burst into his room. Loudly dropping his belongings.

“Dad. I’m home.” He stormed to his refrigerator. Tossing the spare packs of mermaid blood into it before stomping to his bed. Archibald slowly opened his door, peeking in.

“Is everything alright?” He glanced at his father. The man had either shrunk himself, or was casting an illusion to check in on him. Shanadoh removed his helm.

“Yes...No... I don’t fucking know.” He flopped onto the plush surface that made up his bed. “I had another encounter with Holly. But it didn’t go like it usually does. I just want to sleep.”

There he was. A grown ass man, whining about women to his father. He felt so pathetic. A blanket was draped over him carefully, his father ran a hand over his head with a sigh. “What’d she do?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Archibald lifted the blanket, staring at the bandaged injuries.

“Are these her doing?” He tapped the edges of the cloth wrappings. Shanadoh shook his head sighing. He rolled onto his side and stared his father in the eye.

“The injuries? No. The bandages...yes.”

“So that last job didn’t go so well?” Worry filled those golden eyes, breaking Shanadohs heart. He gripped his fathers arms sitting up and grasping the man tightly.

What could he say? That he now owed his bitter rival a life dept? That she went out of her way to make sure he would be alright and able to walk? That he was certain she took advantage of a biological quirk to make him subservient? He just held his father tightly, begging for comfort.

*

Holly, in the mean time, was drowning her troubles in copious amounts of alcohol. Cornelius leaned on the bar eyeing her. “Well?”

“Well WHAT?!” Holly snapped. He sighed and motioned for her to speak. Well and truly used to Holly’s drama at this point.

She glared at him. Before downing another shot and laying her head in her arms. “I just couldn’t let the motherfucker die like that okay?! My plan was to drop him off somewhere. Make him someone else’s problem. But NOOOO no.”

She slammed back another shot. It tasted wrong but she didn’t give a shit. It was better than nothing. And she was on safe ground. “no. The son of a bitch figured I’d be a threat to anyone I dumped him on. So what choice did I have?”

She held out the shot glass, her brother obliged, filling it with a clear liquid from a vodka bottle. She slugged it back. “Now the luckless bastard has a chance to imprint on me. And you know he ain’t going to be happy about it.”

Another shot. She paused. Taking note of the flavor this time. “You mother fucker. How long have you been giving me water instead of booze?”

“Ah, so you’re calmer now?” Her brother smirked. “continue.”

“...I fucked up.” She admitted. This time, she actually got vodka.