#this really is the ultimate rematch

[ultimate-sword-showdown]

The Ultimate Rematch: Holy Moonlight Sword vs. Nightblood

Holy Moonlight Sword

From: Bloodborne (and every other Fromsoftware game)

Wielder: Ludwig

One of the recurring elements in FromSoftware games, all the way from King's Field to Elden Ring, the Holy Moonlight Sword is the Bloodborne iteration of the weapon. Implied to have been created by the Great Ones (eldritch god-like beings), it is discovered by Ludwig the Holy Blade in the labyrinths beneath Yharnam, and used to fight the scourge of beasts within the city. Eventually, Ludwig lost himself to beasthood, and found his way to the Hunter's Nightmare, along with this Holy Moonlight Sword. In Ludwig's boss fight, the sword would return Ludwig's sanity to him (perhaps due to its eldritch origins and his own familiarity with it), allowing him to fight like a man, rather than a beast. After Ludwig's defeat, it would either be gifted or taken by force by the Good Hunter to use on their own journey.

Nightblood

From: Cosmere/Warbreaker

Wielder: Vasher

Nightblood is a pure black sword that bleeds black smoke when drawn. If a wielder unsheathes it for too long, they will die. When it was forged, it was given the command to “destroy evil,” but it doesn’t actually understand what evil is (to quote one of my submittors, it “approaches this with all the enthusiasm and moral nuance of a golden retriever”). It is very chipper and thrives on approval, wanting to be praised for all the evil people it has killed. The sword can possess evil people, causing them to kill the evil people around them and then usually commit suicide. It can communicate telepathically with others. Finally, it is canonically “fascinated by gender, and trying to figure it out.”

[seoulzie]

through thick & thin

WHEREIN: beomgyu & reader discover their unspoken love ultimately realizing they have always been each other's true love.

彡 pairing: beomgyu x reader 彡 genre: fluff, lil angst 彡 warnings: jealous gyu & p1h's jiung makes a cameo ㅋㅋ

₊˚ ✩ 🌊 read the whole collection here!

you and beomgyu were practically born into each other's lives. your parents were best friends, and as a result, the two of you were more like siblings than mere friends. from your first steps to your first words, beomgyu was always there, his presence as natural as breathing.

beomgyu’s house was practically a second home to you, and vice versa. childhood was a whirlwind of shared toys, impromptu sleepovers, and adventures in your backyards.

in elementary school, your bond became a spectacle for teachers and students alike. beomgyu would leave his pencils at your table after breaks, and you would often forget your toys at his. you were inseparable. teachers would find you leaning on each other during nap times, sharing snacks at recess, and laughing the loudest in class.

high school brought subtle changes. the awkwardness of puberty and the chaos of teenage years couldn’t shake your bond. you still spent countless hours on the phone, your conversations flowing seamlessly into the night until one of them fell asleep mid-sentence. on weekends, you visited your childhood playgrounds even if that means you’re the oldest ones there, reliving memories and swinging on the old swings that now seemed smaller. 

one rainy afternoon, you found yourselves in beomgyu’s attic, rummaging through boxes of childhood memorabilia. you unearthed a dusty board game you used to play.

“remember how competitive we used to get?” you laughed, brushing off the dust.

beomgyu grinned. “used to? i’m still the reigning champion.”

you rolled her eyes playfully. “oh, please. the only reason you ever won was because you cheated.”

“cheated?!” beomgyu scoffed, feigning offense. “i won fair and square. you were just a sore loser.”

you smirked, leaning closer. “how about a rematch then? i bet you can’t handle my skills now.”

beomgyu chuckled, his spirit igniting. “you’re on. prepare to lose.”

you set up the game on the attic floor, the rain tapping a gentle rhythm on the roof. the game started with playful banter and exaggerated expressions of concentration.

“are you sure you want to move there?” beomgyu asked, his eyes narrowing.

“absolutely,” you replied confidently. “it’s called strategy, something you might want to learn.”

beomgyu laughed, shaking his head. “we’ll see about that.”

the game ended in a tie as you collapsed onto the floor, laughing until your stomachs hurt

───────── ౨ৎ ─────────

as you were walking down the bustling hallway of your high school, you casually mentioned something that made beomgyu's heart stop.

“can you believe jiung asked me out? i didn’t see that one coming,” you said, your voice light and amused.

beomgyu stopped in his tracks, a frown tugging at his lips. “jiung’s a prat. you can do better than him; i’m really questioning your taste here.”

you rolled your eyes and nudged him playfully. “oh, come on. he’s not that bad. i said yes already.”

“you can—what?” beomgyu's eyes widened in shock, his mind reeling. “you actually said yes to going out with him?”

you shrugged, a hint of mischief dancing in your eyes. “yeah, i did. how come you’re so surprised?”

beomgyu struggled to find the right words, his emotions bubbling just beneath the surface. “i just... i don’t get it. you could do so much better than him.”

you chuckled, teasingly. “what? someone better like you?”

beomgyu felt his heart skip a beat at your words, a rush of hope flooding through him. but he quickly played it aside with a nervous laugh. “oh, come on, you. you know what i mean.”

you raised an eyebrow, your teasing demeanor softening. “do i?”

beomgyu’s heart ached at your words, but he forced himself to smile, the expression not reaching his eyes. “whatever, it’s nothing. i’ve got to get to my next class.”

before you could respond, beomgyu turned on his heel and walked away, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and pain. 

the tension between beomgyu and you in the following days was palpable, each interaction tinged with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. you tried to give beomgyu space, but every passing moment felt like an eternity.

you saw him in the hallways, your eyes meeting briefly before he looked away. he responded politely when you greeted him, but there was a distance in his voice that echoed, it hurt to see him like this, to know that something had shifted between you and you didn't know why.

in those days, you gradually got closer to jiung, finding comfort in his company as you bonded, his easy-going nature and infectious laughter were a welcome distraction from the growing tension with beomgyu. 

however, despite enjoying your time, everything he did almost reminded you of beomgyu. his laugh, his smile, even the way he listened with genuine interest all brought beomgyu to mind. though you were with jiung physically, your mind constantly drifted back to beomgyu, the ache in your heart growing with each passing day.

───────── ౨ৎ ─────────

it was a cool evening, the playground bathed in the soft glow of the streetlights. you walked slowly, lost in thought after your date with jiung. passing by the playground was a shortcut to your house, a place that held countless memories with beomgyu.

as you approached, you noticed a figure sitting on one of the swings, head bowed, lost in contemplation. it was beomgyu, his silhouette familiar yet different in the dim light. you hesitated for a moment, debating whether to approach him or continue on your way.

beomgyu sensed your presence and looked up, surprise flickering across his face before he quickly masked it with a forced smile. “hey,” he greeted softly, his voice tinged with a hint of melancholy.

you stopped in front of him, your expression cautious. “hey. what are you doing here?”

beomgyu shrugged, avoiding your gaze. “just thinking.”

you stood in silence for a moment, the rustling leaves and distant sounds of the city filling the space between you. you took a deep breath, about to address the tension that had been building,

"we need to talk," you said, your voice steady despite the turmoil inside you.

beomgyu sighed, running a hand through his hair. "i know."

you took a deep breath, steeling yourself for whatever was about to come. "beomgyu, why have you been avoiding me?"

beomgyu shifted on the swing, his gaze fixed on the ground as he struggled to find the right words. "it's... it's nothing about you," he began, his voice slightly strained. "i'm fine, really."

you frowned, not buying his attempt to brush it off. "beomgyu, you've barely talked to me in days. we used to talk about everything. what do you mean it's nothing?"

beomgyu sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "i guess... i guess i just needed some time to sort things out in my head," he admitted reluctantly. 

you waited, sensing there was more he wasn't saying. the silence stretched between them until beomgyu finally spoke again, his voice hesitant. "seeing you with him... it's been difficult for me."

your eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "difficult how?" you asked, your tone cautious.

beomgyu looked up, meeting your gaze with a mix of regret and longing. "i... i don't like seeing you with someone else," he confessed quietly. "especially when it's someone like jiung."

you's eyes widened in surprise, and then narrowed slightly in frustration. "what do you mean, 'someone like jiung?" you asked, your voice tinged with irritation.

beomgyu's expression darkened, and he couldn't hold back anymore. "i hate how he has everything i have, yet you choose him," he spat out, his voice seething with jealousy.

you shook your head, frustration bubbling up inside you. “why does it even matter to you? you’re not dating me!”

“you think i don’t know that?” beomgyu shot back, his voice rising slightly. 

“so then, whats your problem!?” 

beomgyu gathered his thoughts, “my problem is that i’m in love with you!” he blurted out, his voice cracking with emotion. 

“but I’m a coward, and you’re oblivious,” beomgyu continued, “watching you go out with jiung made me realize that i’d be spending the rest of my life watching you date, marry, and have a family with someone else. it tore me apart inside, knowing that i was losing you without ever really having the chance to tell you how i feel.”

beomgyu’s voice wavered, the pain and desperation clear in his words. “i can’t keep pretending that i’m okay with just being your friend when i want so much more. i want to be the one who makes you laugh, who holds you when you cry, who shares every moment of your life. but i’m terrified that if i tell you the truth, i’ll lose you completely.”

for a moment, you stood there, absorbing his words, your heart pounding in your chest. the air was thick with unspoken emotions, and you could feel the weight of his confession pressing down on you. without saying a word, you stepped closer to him, your eyes locked onto his. slowly, you reached up and cupped his face in your hands, your touch gentle and reassuring.

then, before either of you could second-guess the moment, you leaned in and pressed your lips to his. the kiss was soft and tentative at first, a question more than a statement, but it quickly deepened as beomgyu responded, his arms wrapping around you, pulling you closer. the world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of you in that perfect, timeless moment.

when you finally pulled back, you rested your forehead against his, both of you breathing heavily. beomgyu’s eyes were wide with surprise and a glimmer of hope.

"beomgyu..." you whispered, your voice choked with emotion. "i think I’ve always known too," you admitted softly. "i just didn’t know how to say it."

you smiled through your tears. "it’s always been you, beomgyu."

the realization hit beomgyu, and his face lit up with pure joy. he pulled you into another kiss, this one filled with passion and relief. as the kiss broke, he couldn't contain his excitement and spun you around, just like in the movies. you both laughed, the tension and heartache melting away, replaced by the warmth of newfound love.

in that moment, everything felt right.the playground, once a place of childhood memories, had now become the backdrop for the beginning of your love story.

⋆˚࿔ taglist!  @flowzel , @izzyy-stuff , @inkigayocamman , @vicurious28

© 2024 seoulzie 

[contract-crawdad]

Hello! I'm trying to understand Leigh. I thinked about how she loves to inflict pain, and possibly loves to just leaving disturbing words or bump into others real hard or anything that cause discomfort to her roommates. But then I felt a little confused, about why she didn't take it further.

If I'm a murderous monster who now live with the people defeated me, I will very likely eat said person alive when he's asleep or just unguarded, however Leigh never did such things. We can literally have her carrying unconscious Sam around, and heal him. It seems she really considered herself a friend to us, and will avoid attacking us when conscious.

That's very perplexing to me. Can you share some of your thoughts?

This is a thought I’ve had as well! Leigh is weird. Love her to pieces.

She’s introduced as a monster that tries to kill Sam and his companions and only joins them after Sam proves he can fight her off. Constantly talks about how much she likes KILLING and VIOLENCE and HURTING PEOPLE.

And yet!

She only ever threatens violence, backs down from a fight with Hellen, clearly has a soft spot for any of the three recruitable children, and challenges Sam to a rematch via arm wrestling of all things.

A big part of this boils down to the fact, through the dinner conversations, we can learn that Leigh had (what she considers to be) a prophetic dream revealing that she and Sam are destined to kill the other in mortal combat. Come to think of it, this is probably WHY she attacks Sam in the first place, aside from loving to fight: she saw her chance to beat the guy she’s destined to kill or be killed by and she took it.

But it still leaves it a little unclear why she continues to help!

She does continue to threaten that she’s gonna GET Sam eventually and that she’s building up her strength… but she’s a lotta talk. I think her rationale is that she and Sam aren’t enemies right now, so she’s willing to work together instead of fighting. Yes, they will be fighting in the future as she foresaw in her dream. But that’s later, and she’ll be stronger than him by then, she figures. She even says as much!

…But wait a second, she was actually preeetty easy to beat. Yeah she’s slightly challenging by early game standards, but a few forks in the face and she’s backing off. It really feels like bopping a shark on the nose.

Ultimately? I think she just really loves the thrill of the game. She disappears forever if you run from her, and it’s hard not to interpret that as her getting bored. She’s a competitive spirit who has been suppressed up to this point in her life and been allowed to let loose during the apocalypse. But… all of her interactions in the apartment are either people just assuming she’s going to hurt them, or Leigh not actually putting her money where her (very large) mouth is.

She’s not as tough or as feral as she’d prefer people think she is.

[mono-blogs-art]

one of my favourite things in revue starlight is how winning a battle just does not matter.

in the beginning, it's pretty easy - you snooze you loose, your star is knocked down, and it's curtain call. whoever wins also has the emotional and narrative victory.

they start to break this down almost from the start. in episode two, karen comforts junna after beating her, and it brings them closer as friends. in episode 6, "winning" for kaoruko is ultimately secondary to gaining futaba's attention, and the two are chummier than ever after their battle.

hell, hikari's entire existence in the story is after she lost all her brilliance - by all accounts, she shouldn't even be in a condition to participate at all. but she got a second chance to fly to tokyo and to set things right, despite being severely disadvantaged. only when she's able to overcome her doubts and starts believing in her and karen's joint future, her weapon is transformed and upgraded. and of course, karen looses everything as well, but she literally claws her way back into the theater to get her rematch. for a series that tells you from the very beginning that you will loose everything if you don't win, and that there can only ever be one top star, in the end, winning the battle is secondary.

gekijouban really takes this to its extreme; every battle has a very clear winner and loser - but the loser always gains something more. futaba wins, but kaoruko not only gets her bike, but also a promise for the rest of their lifetime. hikari gets her ass beat in like, minute 2 of the performance, but is granted a literal medal and a second chance by mahiru to go do things right, for real this time. nana loses against junna, but what she gains is the brilliance she's been looking for all this time since episode 1. claudine properly defeats maya by simply besting her and knowing her weaknesses, and what does maya lose? exactly nothing - instead, they promise to play another round, and infinite rounds as partners. another promise for a lifetime.

karen dies. the protagonist literally drops dead, no heartbeat, and loses her life on stage and it does not matter in the end. she is stabbed, beaten, costume ripped apart, her body and soul emptied out completely and yet she gains her life and passion back. because it's not about winning or losing. it's about giving it your all, barring your soul to the art and to your partner. that's why the losers don't lose. that's why karen was able to "trick" the giraffe's system in the series, and also why the revues in the movie don't even abide by this system anymore.

i just really like it, and the more i realized that, you can really see the progression of the battles throughout the series.

[animeyanderelover]

Hiii, I don't see much of Jujutsu Kaisen so that's what I'll be requesting:

1. Happy deathday (Gojo, sukuna, nanami, Mahito, the 1st years)

2. Their reaction to s/o being able to nullify their ability (Gojo, sukuna, Mahito)

You can add other characters you'd like and think might be interesting.

Tw: Yandere themes, toxic relationship, possessive behavior, obsession, delusional behavior, manipulation, gaslighting, clinginess, paranoia, controlling behavior, sadism, isolation

S/o can nullify their abilities

Ryomen Sukuna

🗾I can see his s/o very well being assigned to Yuji as soon as the boy has swallowed Sukuna’s finger. The King of Curses himself doesn’t do much besides cackling over you as he sees you as nothing more but a mere babysitter. It has definitely happened that his mouth has popped up on Itadori’s face, tauntingly questioning you about what you hope to do once he actually gains control. You never appear shaken though, always fairly calm and composed as you reply to him before Yuji slaps the mouth shut and apologizes to you. Sukuna is always watching and he definitely observes your confident exterior which does elicit his curiosity. What exactly can you do? What are your abilities? He wants to test you, to see if you are only bark and no bite or if you can stand for your words. Yuji’s naïve wish to protect people is exploited for Sukuna’s own use and soon he snatches the chance to gain control of Yuji whilst he is in your presence. He is fully prepared to kill you if you don’t prove yourself.

🗾Only that the situation never escalates to a battle as all you do is touch him and seal his powers away, forcing him back inside Yuji’s mind. You don’t want to risk any unnecessary destruction. So you just brush him off as nothing? Who do you think you are? It’s a rare humiliation Sukuna has to suffer on that day as you aren’t even willing to fight him and label it as unneeded. He’s seething, his words from that day on filled with a lot more spite but you always reply with an equal amount of sass and snarl. He really has to work on that mouth on yours. As infuriated as he is though, he can’t deny that there isn’t a spark of attraction within this all though. He definitely has to put you in your place but your unique ability to cancel someone else’s technique is, even if quite plain-looking, definitely the ultimate counter against anyone. You’d definitely be useful in his later schemes to help him to regain all of his fingers and to get his original body back.

🗾The verbal banter between the two of you keeps going on as both of you essentially see who can deliver the heavier blow with their insults. A part of Sukuna is definitely yearning for a chance to get another chance to fight you physically but for now he has to be satisfied with this. He can’t deny it though, he is enjoying this by now quite a lot. He’ll tolerate this bratty and rebellious behavior of yours for as long as he is stuck inside the boy’s mind. As soon as Uraume has revealed themself, Sukuna is ordering his servant to keep a special eye on you for as long as he still hasn’t regained a body over which he has full control. You absolutely can’t die now that he has gotten so incredibly interested in you. As much as he would love to search for you right now and get his rematch, he feels his control slowly fading away. There is a sadistic grin on his face though as he takes one final glance at the havoc he has caused in Shibuya. He can’t wait to see your reaction of despair, knowing that it was your job to prevent something like this from happening.

Gojo Satoru

🩵He has always had a particular interest in you. Although you are a low-ranked sorcerer, there has always been something that has made Gojo’s day that much more delightful. Is it your frustrated facade whenever he is teasing the living daylight out of you? Is it the way you pout whenever you feel a bit neglected? Whatever it is, Gojo is absolutely obsessed about it and just can’t stop himself from always following you around. He is the worst attention-seeker possible and he either annoys you to have you focus on him or he is being more considerate and buys you expensive presents to gain your attention and maybe even some praise and a kiss out of gratitude. Honestly, he wouldn’t have minded if it would have stayed that way. But then you just had to develop this Domain Expansion of yours, didn’t you? An ability that completely eradicates all Cursed Energy within except your own, that drains the energy of all foreign living beings within and only strengthens you in return. Suddenly your popularity breaks through the roof.

🩵Suddenly Gojo’s perception of you changes as well. It is a development he doesn’t want to accept. You were supposed to only be this adorable sorcerer he knew about and paid attention to. You weren’t supposed to be the center of attention, be it good or bad. You weren’t supposed to be like him. He knows that the stronger and unique one’s powers are, the more likely they are to be targeted by those who fear such strength. Even if he has no proof for it, Gojo’s paranoia suddenly appears. What if you are really targeted by someone? What if you are killed by someone? The change in atmosphere when he is around you is palpable as he is a lot more rigid and his blue eyes are always darting around as if he fears that someone or something will come for your life at any moment. For a little while this is all he mainly thinks about as he tries to butter up to you by telling you about the experiences he has had as a child to justify his overly clingy behavior. It isn’t long until he has another realization though. Your abilities would even render his powers useless.

🩵Gojo’s identity has always tied into being the strongest, about being the one who no one can beat. Now you exist though. Now you are there and can eradicate his abilities. What does that make him then? Is he even himself if he isn’t the strongest? A part of Satoru is tempted to ask you to show him your Domain Expansion in the little hope that your powers won’t work on him. The other part of him is too frightened to do so as he doesn’t want his belief up until now to be destroyed. Who is he if he isn’t the one everyone has always thought him to be? The man is terrified, terrified as he realizes that the one person who could most likely kill him is you. That isn’t who you were supposed to be. You were supposed to be only his. Desperation and bitterness collide with each other as Gojo wishes that you would have just stayed that overlooked and weak sorcerer you used to be. You don’t need any Domain Expansion. You don’t even need to be a sorcerer. You only need him. Satoru will help you to realize this.

Mahito

🔷Mahito has always been carefree and goofy even whilst committing atrocities by toying around with humans. He has always gotten a good laugh out of Yuji’s moral lessons, about the boy’s anger whenever he transfigured and killed humans. It has always been fun and that is largely because so far Mahito has never been seriously beaten. Until he crosses paths with you. A freelancer of a sorcerer who isn’t really working for the Jujutsu society. It isn’t his first time that he has fought against a sorcerer and in hindsight his mistake was taunting you even whilst you weren’t willing to fight him. Of course he will never blame it on himself that he pushed you over your limit until you ran out of patience. Soon he is crying and screaming as he tries to scramble away from you yet without any success as he is in your Domain Expansion. Quivering pupils look at you as you calmly walk over, your fists stained in his blood as you look at him with chilling disregard. He isn’t even worth killing.

🔷Mahito is unable to live with the humiliation you give him on that day. Never before has he been on the weak side before, never before has he been on the side that suffers. That’s why he is unable to process it all. He’s deeply scarred after that encounter with you. Partially he is utterly and partially he yearns for revenge, traumatized as he can’t and won’t accept how you treated him on that day as if he was the disposable toy. Mahito initially becomes more obsessed with the thought of forcing you to cower on all four in front of him. He needs to correct his view on the world that has been shattered ever since you cursed his life. His body is still far too terrified to get close to you so the curse starts stalking you from a safe distance and he hates how his body always freezes in fear and panic if your head turns around, petrified that you might have sensed him. He hates what he has become of you, petty hatred all directed against you for this humiliation he had to endure because of you. Mahito wants to see you suffer even more than he did.

🔷Hatred soon gradually weakens with time though as Mahito starts getting interested in you. Initial plans to kill closed ones of you fail as he soon comes to realize that you are a true lone wolf. Your life is lonely and isolated from others as you like to keep to yourself. Why is that? Is there a deeper lying fear? Or does nobody like you? It is almost as if Mahito is actively trying to find something to pity you for all to boost his own sense of superiority and confidence. You really don’t seem to have anybody in your life and suddenly he is very adamant to keep it that way. Someone like you doesn’t deserve anyone and he even takes it a step further by interfering to the point where other sorcerers start distrusting you. He wants to see you lonely. He wants to find a way to break you because only then can he feel whole again. Don’t worry though. He’ll gladly keep you as soon as he has found out how to completely take away your abilities. He’s sure that you’ll be at your cutest when you’re at your weakest and most vulnerable point.

[chaggie4ever]

Ok I need to get this off my chest: people need to stop hating on my girl for her final performance against Lute. Vaggie has been out of practice for 3.5 YEARS (42 months), during which she lost her depth perception and wings and hid her identity, which definitely limited her ability to train (not even accounting for the psychological torment and phantom pains). Meanwhile Lute has been living her best life in heaven, likely training every day to keep her position and fully intact.

She has one month to prepare and learn some basic self defense. Now mind you, training montages are hilarious because after the first week if you’re doing it right you probably can barely move out of soreness XD (the ONLY accurate portrayal I’ve seen was on Galavant, which everyone should watch - it’s a medieval musical with a similar tone to HH). I’ll cover more on her and Carmilla separately.

Then Lute proceeds to watch the entire final battle while Vaggie is busy killing at least four angels by my count. When they fly up to Adam and Lute, she immediately sucker stabs Dazzle, dropping them hundreds of feet and disarming Vaggie in the process.

Despite all of this, Vaggie is able to stop a full force sword charge directly at her eye bare handed. She deflects several more vicious blows, using tools in her environment to help (shard of glass, radio). Yes she is losing. She is unarmed and see above… also unused to fighting with long hair even pulled up XD (as an aside, I absolutely LOVE how Carmilla pulls her hair down the moment Vaggie complains when training lol).

She gets a few more face cuts while we watch Charlie stab Adam, and ends up on the ground reaching for her weapon, which Lute uses to stab her hand before stupidly leaving it while gloating. Yes, Lute could (and should) have ended her here. I have a few separate theories on why that did not happen (later post). But regardless of the reasoning, Lute’s hubris left Vaggie alive enough to goad her second wind by mentioning Charlie. And Vaggie was SMARTER (and ultimately more spirited).

Now the tables have turned but Vaggie spared Lute, more out of spite than kindness but ultimately because of Charlie. Lute only has her left arm pinned; she should have stopped the spear but basically asked for death. This is also deserving of it’s own analysis but I think all angels hate themselves :(

Vaggie leaves and when she no longer has her undivided attention, Lute is irate enough to rip off her arm and pin her. Vaggie isn’t fighting at this point, she’s trying to get to Charlie but was sucker punched/tackled. Pretty understandable imho… interesting theories that Lute may have ironically saved Vaggie’s life here. I love her but she’s not stronger than Adam :( I’ll keep these Yuri headcannons to myself for now XD

Ironically, I think this may end very badly for Vaggie and Chaggie (if Lute kills anyone I will kill everyone and then myself), especially after Adam’s death. We haven’t even seen Vaggie cry but Lute now has. The same girl who just pulled her own arm off in sheer rage (seriously what’s up with her brute strength XD).

But ultimately, while I don’t feel comfortable saying Vaggie properly won this fight, she did a damn good job with what she had available and people need to stop hating on this character! Lute definitely did not win. And I’m REALLY hoping for a proper rematch because given Lute’s HATRED, she clearly feels at least challenged by Vaggie, one of Adam’s “best girls” who likely had at least Lute’s 275 kills annually… AND/OR she was dumped right before Vaggie’s last extermination and all the yuri 😍🥰😘😇🤣

[stars-and-the-min]

☆ the wrong way to hard launch (6) | OP81

summary : oscar's girlfriend is a walking pr problem for literally everyone (including herself) social media au

pairing : oscar piastri x zhou!fem!singer!oc

a/n the highs (friends) and lows (exes) of life aka lina lore 👀 preface : i know nothing about nfl or american football so suspend ur beliefs if u happen to know a thing or two, also my amateur photoshopping skills are really improving from this

masterlist | last part | part 6 | next part

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logansargeant The long-awaited ultimate rematch tagged: selinabui and oscarpiastri

alex_albon Wait, why wasn't I invited?

selinabui ok captain america pack it up ↳ logansargeant @ selinabui Stay mad 😎 ↳ oscarpiastri @ selinabui Why would you challenge two professional racing drivers to a racing game? ↳ selinabui @ oscarpiastri i thought you loved me? ↳ oscarpiastri @ selinabui Ah but you love winners more 😏 ↳ logansargeant @ oscarpiastri Stop flirting in my comments???

cofrisy_f1 LOSCAR??? OSCALINA??? LOLINA???

beemiepie she chose the orange car 🥺🥺🥺 ↳ siera_mblanc @beemiepie a true papaya girlie 🧡🧡

cameliazzz just posted to their story

replies selinabui cami, did u or did u not insist u'd be fine 😭

lukaszhang the SLANDER??? didn't we have loads of fun???

aidan_ebass Touché Millie, see you soon?

eb_jonno sidenote: can you bring mochi on the plane? are there food restrictions?

oscarpiastri

liked by opeightyone and 121,983 others

oscarpiastri 次回まで trans: until next time

piastri_lina obsessed with this couple's dedication to never tagging each other

opeightyone Get 'em next year 💪

selinabui currently feeling like a 1930's housewife waiting for her husband to return from war ↳ cameliazzz @ selinabui HELLO NOT YOU PLAGARISING MY STORY??? FOR A GUY??? ↳ selinabui @ cameliazzz nooooo wifey i didn't mean like that :(((

TWITTER

lina !!! @EB_selina · 37m you've gotta be shitting me

NFL Jersey Numbers @nfljerseywatch · 1h Tennessee Titans RB Thomas Howard (@THowdy) is wearing number 24. Last worn by Kenny Vaccaro. #Titans

↳ kayla @luna_apocolypse · 34m no fucking way... i don't wanna jump to conclusions but... ↳ emme @flowersforcami · 32m he tweeted about it. girl- jump to those conclusions.

Thomas Howard @THowdy · 58m The move to the #Titans has been a huge change, and 24 has been a number close to my heart for many years, I'd consider it a lucky number for a lucky year 👊 ↳ liv is SEEING EB LIVE!! @olivielina · 23m eat shit and die i'm so fucking serious you have no right to wear her number ↳ kayla @luna_apocolypse · 22m hahaha (not) funny but april fools was last week say sike RIGHT NOW

fiona🩷 @fififorlina · 29m thinking about how tommy is playing with lina’s number i'm weak 😭 ↳ 🕯️manifesting EB3 🕯️@ linabelles · 13m no, we're absolutely not doing this, it's not sweet at all, do you even know how badly he treated lina? ↳ emme @flowersforcami · 11m there are tommy-supporting linami’s in this day and age???

oscalina real ?! @emptyginbottles · 39m lina watching her ex and cousin play/drive with her number be like:

↳ lila💚 @kasdanrights · 23m idk how to feel bc it's kinda hilarious that our little rockstar is slowly plaguing the sporting world with her number

lina !!! @EB_selina · 22m @LoganSargeant for my own mental health we're not going to talk for the next... 50 years ↳ Logan Sargeant @LoganSargeant · 8m I'm sorry? Did I do something wrong? ↳ lina !!! @EB_selina · 5m it's not you, it's just your countrymen (i'm generalising again)

MESSAGES

from the phone of selina bui

TWITTER

liv is SEEING EB LIVE!! @olivielina · 35m WHY IS EVERYONE FLOODING MY TL WITH T*MMY SHIT ↳ liv is SEEING EB LIVE!! @olivielina · 34m lina is one of the only music girlies who is SO SO SO vocal about how much she HATES her ex and you still can't listen to her??? ↳ liv is SEEING EB LIVE!! @olivielina · 34m not just with her music but as in SHE OUTRIGHT HATES HIS GUTS ON MAIN she COULD NOT possibly make it clearer that she would rather shoot herself in the head than ever consider getting back together with him ↳ liv is SEEING EB LIVE!! @olivielina · 33m i'm so tired can't you just let the woman be happy with oscar ↳ abby <3 @devilvows · 17m liv, baby, i think you need to change ur name to 'defense minister of linami nation'

INSTAGRAM

selinabui

liked by oscarpiastri and 139,204 others

selinabui some weird second string loser who's not worth mentioning

cameliazzz thought the message was 'let everyone know i'm doing ok'? ↳ selinabui @ cameliazzz message appropriately sent :)

oliviarodrigo AAHHH stunning as always 💝💝 ↳ selinabui @ oliviarodrigo watch out, the literal moment we're in the same city i'm hunting u down (my favourite american 🥺)

oscarpiastri Haha not me though right :) ↳ selinabui @ oscarpiastri idk maybe...?

TWITTER

lina !!! @EB_selina · 1h this is really hindering my enjoyment of 'so american' ↳ Oscar Piastri @ OscarPiastri · 1h I reaaally hate to break it to you but I think you might be the American in this relationship ↳ lina !!! @EB_selina · 53m take that back rn i'm serious ↳ Oscar Piastri @ OscarPiastri · 49m Which one of us has lived in California for half a decade? 🤔

↳ abby <3 @devilvows · 37m can you imagine waking up to that face? oscar piastri, you lucky bitch

↳ lila💚 @kasdanrights · 2h oscar piastri i was not familiar with your game ↳ lila💚 @kasdanrights · 2h selina, i understand you now, i get it now, truly i do, hooooly

oscalina real ?! @ emptyginbottles · 1h i think the entire empty bottles fandom and oscalina shippers trying to cleanse the tl by posting some of the most jaw-clenching, hottest pictures of oscar and lina is so funny ↳ oscalina real ?! @ emptyginbottles · 1h the best part is that it's actually working and also so many more empty bottles fans are realising how unfairly attractive oscar piastri is

INSTAGRAM

selinabui Seoul, South Korea

liked by oscarpiastri and 138,958 others

selinabui heal my s(e)oul tagged: cameliazzz, blublublupi, and lukaszhang

lukaszhang i thought i specifically asked you not to post that ↳ selinabui @lukaszhang i actually wasn't gonna but then you told me not to so obviously i had to

oscarpiastri 🧡 ↳ selinabui @ oscarpiastri any other fucking colour heart i beg ↳ oscarpiastri @ selinabui You know I'm contractually obligated

emptybottlos i'm convinced they agreed to go on tour just to travel, visit friends and eat a bunch of authentic food

ceciliapham someone else is in seoul rn 👀 ↳ marie_h.sb @ceciliapham in what world do you think your gonna see lina and chris yamada in the same room again?

✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:

taglist @ririyulife @ashy-kit @fionaschicken @namgification @cherry-piee

[bothzangetsus]

what are your thoughts on ichigo being an almost all forgiving guy, who is never angry or rancorous? he forgives urahara after soul society by saying ‘you did nothing wrong’, he told isshin to talk to him whenever he was ready in fake karakura after he appeared as a shinigami and then later on ten thousand years he was shown undestanding at the fact that his whole heritage was hidden to him, he forgot omz for lying to him, went to soul society to recover ginjou’s body even after what he and tsukishima did to him, and is shown as someone who can work with past enemies (like grimmjow, who blew a hole in rukia’s body on their very first meeting). at this point, kindness to the point of absurdity seems to be a theme in his character.

I SO desperately need to know what inspired this! Because, well, my first thought was-- Ichigo, never angry? Kind to the point of absurdity??? Him?????

That said, it did make me do some quick leafing through the manga! Without a full, careful reread I can't be sure, but I think the only time we saw him direct anger at a friend was right after Rukia gave him back his powers in Lost Agent. We get this scene:

Where he shouts at Uryuu to, well, STFU. And nothing else!

However, I would still shy away from using the word 'kind' -- not because I think he's unkind, we saw how he treats the little ghost kid, and how he even became friends with Chad, etc, but because I think it's the wrong framing. Or rather, I think it's descriptively inadequate. What is his lack of response born of? Is it really just... endless kindness? Not likely, because we don't see him display endless kindness when someone he deems wrong shows up. I believe his reactions (or lack thereof, I suppose) mostly depend on if something stands as an obstacle to him getting what he wants or not -- which, phrased like that, sounds like the opposite of kindness! -- except, what he wants most, and he repeatedly tells us so, is to have enough power to 1) protect others, 2) shatter fate. What would he get angry at Soul Society (Yamamoto, Ukitake, etc.) for? Their machinations still allow him to have his Soul Reaper powers. What would he get angry at Isshin for? He's part of the group Ichigo is trying to protect! I am not suggesting that this is a healthy reaction, to be clear, just that -- well, I think he's a character who is simultaneously endlessly selfish and selfless, because his ultimate desire, which he never ceases to follow, just happens to be a generally altruistic one.

Now, I do genuinely think he's not particularly revenge-minded, which is interesting on its own. It's a surprisingly healthy outlook where protectiveness does not come with possessiveness, even if it occasionally comes with underestimating friends' abilities. I don't know if that comes from forgiveness, honestly? The canon moments I can think of, again, without a deep careful reread:

Fighting Byakuya. Of course, this was a retaliation, but it was more about 'teaching' him to be a better older brother than about revenge.

Renji. This was about a personal rematch as much as it was about Rukia.

Grimmjow fight one: there was instant reaction when he put his hand through Rukia's body for sure.

Gj fight two: this was about personal pride.

Gj fight three: we can pretend this is about saving Orihime, but it's about personal pride too.

Second rematch with Ulquiorra - well ummm lowkey this is about personal pride as well, but it has more interesting panels!

However it does also have instant reaction when Loly grabs Orihime

Which is... arguably much more emotional than he was against Ulquiorra! And Ulquiorra hurt many more people -- during his first introduction back in Karakura, endlessly through keeping Orihime there, through punching a hole in Ichigo's chest, etc.

I would argue that the majority of these are still about personal pride. Does the existence of this person, does him fighting against them, help him by proving his strength or aiding him in getting more power? He had told us - it's meaningless to just live, it's meaningless to just fight, he wants to win. If nobody is in danger Right That Second, the desire to win and grow more powerful seems to overpower past slights. Is that forgiving? I don't know. I'm not being snide here, I genuinely do not know -- I figure how much of these actions is a positive vs. something dangerous and better-avoided is up to individual interpretation, and how much each person weighs intention vs. results vs. the possible (dire!) consequences (which did not happen in canon, but just as easily could have.)

Then we have 7. Killing Ginjo then asking for his body back. I think this was a stand -- how much is Soul Society willing to acquiesce to? How rigid are their rules still -- do they need to keep the material body of someone who posed danger to them, even if he currently no longer does so? How much respect are they willing to afford a Substitute?

And 8. OMZ. Ah... That is straightforward forgiveness! It was in line with Zanpakutou spirits worldbuilding & the arc set up, I think -- we got hundreds of chapters about his denial, so that was meant to be the final moment of acceptance. Now... Is that acceptance warranted? For White Zangetsu, I think yes. For OMZ, I suspect the answer is going to be no for a lot of people, and I fully understand that, and honestly, narratively, I also think it's a no. It needed more chapters rather than OMZ peacing out immediately. But ethically... does it conflict with Ichigo's own ethics?

Well, actually, I think the answer is yes here, too! Look at how badly he reacted to White Zangetsu initially, all based on the assumption that he's dangerous (and thus he, too, will become dangerous), and we know for a fact that OMZ *is* dangerous. I do think this forgiveness is the natural thematic endpoint, and IMO it should have split up the reveal & his power-up for the pacing to make sense, but that's a separate discussion. My point being, this is the only instance I can think of where forgiveness for the sake of forgiveness was handed out, and it was, in a way, against himself.

All of this is more or less my clumsy attempt to say that no, I don't think he's kind to the point of absurdity :D There's this constant contradiction between pretty self-serving actions and the fact that the personal motivations do end up quite public-spirited. I do however think that he is more empathetic than he's given credit for!

[belit0]

Okay so i really love how you write single dads izuna and shisui and i hope you won’t be bothered if i ask you for a part four but this time the girls had grown up like their five years old now. One day, there was a Knock and when the dads open the door, there was a woman. At first they didn’t know who’s this woman was but the woman revealed that she’s the mother of the daughter but she wasn’t here to apologize to the men for making them a single father or apologizing of leaving their baby girl in front of their door. They just came here to get their daughter back because according to her, “she’s ready to be a mother now”. After leaving their daughter with the people they trust so that she could not be here to witness what was going to happen. Once the men and the “mother” were alone with no one around them, the men finally let out all their anger and frustration onto to the woman and couldn’t believe the audacity that this woman dare to come back.(basically not a love story with the woman and the uchiha men)

I love the concept of "uncle Madara"

PART 3

Izuna

Madara had seen his brother angry before.

Not irritated. Not annoyed. Angry.

But this?

This was something else.

Izuna stood frozen, hand gripping the doorframe so hard it splintered beneath his fingers. His jaw was clenched, his breath slow and deliberate—controlled, but barely. And then there was his daughter, standing just a few feet away, her small hand tugging at the hem of his sleeve.

—Pops?

Madara moved before Izuna could.

Kneeling, a hand on the little girl’s head, his voice even. —Let’s go outside, little one. You still owe me a rematch.—

The child tilted her head. —But Pops was going to play with me.—

Madara’s fingers curled just slightly, an anchor against the weight in his chest. —He will. Later. But right now, he needs to talk to a guest.— His eyes flicked up, sharp, cold, meeting Izuna’s just briefly. —You understand, don’t you?—

A pause.

Then—hesitation, a little pout, but ultimately, a nod.

Izuna didn't move. He didn’t even look at her, because if he did, she would see what was coming—she would know. And she could never know.

Madara lifted her effortlessly, setting her against his side, and without another word, he turned and left.

The door had barely shut before Izuna moved.

The force of his arm sent the nearest table crashing onto the floor, candles rolling, wax splattering against the walls. The woman flinched, stepping back, but he was on her—not touching, no, he didn’t need to. His presence alone was a wall of fury, suffocating, unforgiving.

—You dare.— His voice was low, dangerous, shaking with something raw. —You dare to walk back in here after five years and tell me you’re ‘ready’?—

She opened her mouth, but Izuna didn’t let her.

—Do you think she even remembers you? Do you think she cares?— His hands curled into fists, nails digging into his palms. —She doesn’t ask about you. She doesn’t wonder. She doesn’t cry for you at night because she never fucking knew you.—

The woman winced, but Izuna’s breath was ragged, his body thrumming with something violent.

—Do you know who held her when she had nightmares? Do you know who carried her when she was too tired to walk? Do you know whose name she calls when she scrapes her knee?- His voice cracked, but it only made him angrier. —It’s me. It’s always been me. And you—you left. You threw her away. And now you want to pick her back up like some old fucking toy?—

He scoffed, shaking his head, a hollow laugh escaping his lips.

—You don’t deserve to say her name.

The air between them burned.

The woman swallowed, her face pale, her fingers trembling slightly. —Izuna, I—

He turned away, chest rising and falling sharply, as if looking at her one second longer would make him lose the fragile restraint he had left.

—Get out.

And for once in her miserable life—she listened.

Shisui

Itachi wasn’t an idiot.

The moment the woman at the door spoke, the moment he saw the way Shisui stilled, he knew.

Shisui was many things. Charming. Playful. Impossible to rattle.

But right now, his knuckles were white.

His daughter peeked out from behind him, wide eyes looking up, confused. —Daddy? Who’s that?—

Itachi stepped in smoothly, crouching beside her. —Why don’t we visit Uncle Sasuke for a bit? He’s been waiting to show you his new shuriken technique.—

The girl brightened. —Really?—

—Really.— A glance at Shisui, a silent promise. —Come on, let’s go.—

Shisui didn’t move. Didn’t even acknowledge him. But he did let go of his daughter’s hand.

Itachi took it instead.

And as the door closed behind them, the last thing the child saw was her father standing still, staring at the woman like he was trying to decide whether to rip her apart with words or with his bare hands.

Shisui didn’t yell.

Didn’t throw anything. Didn’t even move at first.

He just stood there.

Silent.

Breathing.

One, two, three seconds passed, and with each one, his jaw tensed further, his eyes darkened. And then—

A sharp exhale.

A slow step forward.

And the woman shrank back, as if realizing—too late—the mistake she’d made.

—You weren’t ready?— His voice was soft. Too soft.

She hesitated. —I… I wasn’t, I couldn’t—

A sharp, humorless laugh.

—Neither was I.— His head tilted, the warmth in his eyes long gone, replaced with something sharper, crueler. —But I didn’t run. I didn’t leave her in the cold. I didn’t throw her to the wolves and come back five fucking years later pretending I suddenly give a damn.—

He took another step.

The woman’s breath hitched. —I do care.—

Shisui scoffed. —You ‘care’. That’s why you didn’t check if she was alive? That’s why you never sent a single word? That’s why she doesn’t even know who the fuck you are?—

She had nothing to say.

Shisui’s fingers twitched, a sharp breath slipping through clenched teeth. His shoulders rose, then fell, as if trying—struggling—to keep the rage at bay.

—She’s mine. She’s always been mine.— The words were final, absolute. —You? You’re nothing. A ghost. A stranger. And if you ever, ever come back, I swear on everything I have left—

He leaned in just slightly, voice dropping into something dangerously low.

—I'll fucking kill you.

The threat was quiet. Simple.

But it was the most terrifying thing he had ever said.

The woman fled.

And Shisui stood there, head tilting back against the wall, throat tight, chest aching with a rage that wouldn’t fade.

He exhaled sharply.

And finally—finally—let himself breathe.

[furiousflamingfeline]

More Like Human

@more-like-human

A Comprehensive Guide to our Adult Powerpuffs x Normies AU

Series by @furiousflamingfeline & @boobeam-trap (Overall rated M but some stories are E).

Summary:

This series will be an exploration of themes from the 1998 series, The Powerpuff Girls, as a canon continuation timeline where the girls have grown up and are trying to make sense of a world that is not made for them. The story will be split into 3 phases and will ultimately tell the story of the next generation of half-human/half-super Powerpuffs. We wanted to explore the idea of future Powerpuffs with healthier family dynamics (i.e.- the OG girls are not going to let their kids be the sole protectors of the world!) and the girls and boys through their relationships with normies will realize just how human they really are. Major players in this series include…

Recurring Cast:

Blossom Utonium

Bubbles Utonium

Buttercup Utonium

Harry Pitt

Mike Believe

Professor Utonium

Princess Morbucks

Brick Morningstar

Butch Morningstar

Boomer Morningstar

Him

Elmer Sglue

Endgame Pairings:

Blossom Utonium/Harry Pitt (#CherryPitt)

Bubbles Utonium/Mike Believe (#Believubbles)

Buttercup Utonium/no one (asexual Buttercup supremacy)

Butch/(OC)

Boomer/(redacted)

Brick/Dexter

🚧 - WIP • ✅ - Finished • 🔞 - Sexual Content

Phase 1 (When Harry Met Blossy):

✅ Locks, Shocks and Bare L’s (1999) - Continuation of the episode The Mane Event

🚧 TBD: Bubbles & Mike Story (2006)

✅ Thank God for Girls (1999-2006) - 7 years after the Rowdyruff Boys were killed the second time they meet a fate that no one could have predicted. Deeply unserious.

✅ Exes and Oh Noes (2008-2011) 🔞 - ‼️(CW for underage sexual content and bigotry — Blossom is a teen in this story trying to figure out her sexuality and deal with hateful people, both homophobic and Powerpuff-phobic. If this triggers you please stay away) Blossom’s 4 exes shaped who she became and how she viewed herself… find out what happened with the first 3.

✅ Moonlight Densetsu (2011) 🔞 - Bubbles and Mike finally take things to the next level… in their own unique way.

✅ Something Just Like This (2007-2013) 🔞 - The full story of how the hell Blossom goddamn Utonium ended up with a weirdo, nothing kid like Harry Pitt.

✅ Heavy Games (2013) 🔞 - It’s been a few years since Him has played his games with the girls, but things are a little different now that they’ve grown up.

🚧 You Belong With Me (2013) / Die With a Smile - True to his word, Him brings the Rowdyruff Boys back again after 7 years with a new mission: make the girls theirs. But before that happens they have to bring the girls to the brink of death.

✅ Tarantula (2013) 🔞 - Blossom has recovered from her battle with Brick and her and Harry have grown closer than ever.

✅ Lucky Stars (2013) 🔞 - Something bad is brewing in Townsville, something that runs deeper than any of the girls are prepared for…

Phase 2 (The Death of a Bachelor):

✅ The Rise and Fall of a Townsville Princess (2010-2011) 🔞 ‼️ (CW for underage sexual content and abuse/manipulation —Blossom and Princess are 17 for a portion of this story and their relationship is not healthy. If this triggers you please stay away.) - The full, ugly story of Blossom’s 4th ex.

✅ Surrender My Heart (2013) 🔞 - Blossom opens up in a big way with Harry after confessing her emotional trauma about her toxic ex.

✅ Genghis Khan (2014) 🔞 ‼️ (CW for underage content — Brick and Blossom are 20 in this story, but Brick has an unhealthy attachment to Blossom even as a 17 year old. The story also features problematic dynamics and hate sex. If this triggers you, please stay away.) - Blossom and Brick’s eternal struggle only gets more heated as they rematch for the first time since Blossom’s near-death experience. Major plot twists along the way.

✅ Dirty Harry (2014) 🔞 - Harry concocts an extremely stupid master scheme to charm his pregnant wife-to-be.

✅ Beddy-Bye Bandit (2014) - The only thing standing between Harry Pitt and a good night’s sleep is the unluckiest burglar in the world.

🚧 TBD: Bubbles & Mike Story (2014)

🚧 Good Luck, Babe! (2014-2015) - Everyone’s “happily ever after” is once again threatened when old enemies return and new allies are created.

🚧 Solo Cup (2007-2020) - Buttercup’s story of how she found her identity and accidentally found love in the process. (Not what you think.)

Phase 3 (The Next Generation):

TBD! (2020 and beyond!)

Additional cast for PPG Next Generation:

Briar Pitt-Utonium

Beatrice “Bee” Believe

Bridget “Brie” Utonium

Brawl Morningstar

Stitches

(Art by @emperortoes)

Headcanons about the fankids:

Briar Pitt-Utonium is the oldest and a bit of a scamp. Her Harmony Bunny ears were a gift from her aunt, and it wasn’t a coincidence that they resemble her mother’s childhood bow but also reflect her mischievous personality. She’s Daddy’s little princess through-and-through, though. True to her name, she has a shield/damage reflect ability that manifests in a translucent pink shield with spikes. She’s all about defenses in her powers and fighting style. She’s the Joy and the Laughter.

Beatrice “Bee” Believe is the middle child and 100% tomboy. She is a powerful fighter and probably the scariest of all 3, given her mom’s ability to go “Hardcore.” She’s the Toughest Fighter. She is also fully charged with her daddy Mike’s imagination powers and can attract all kinds of supernatural entities. How does she fend off the malevolent forces (aka Patches)? Enter her king, her bodyguard, and her best friend, Stitches.

Stitches is her stuffed dog toy that has seen better days, but can be brought to life in the form of an imaginary friend with the most insane aura you’ve ever seen in your life. He is like King from One Punch Man, he’s not powerful at all, but he has maxed his intimidation stats and keeps Bee safe from any evil forces that are lurking. I can’t wait to draw more Stitches.

Finally, there’s Bridget “Brie” Utonium. This lil genius is Buttercup’s pride and joy. Her biological parents are Butch and a member of his fan club, Minali “Mina” Ajaebi (미나리아재비). Sadly, Mina did not survive childbirth, and Butch did not want to bother with Brie because of her numerous health problems and weak, half-human status (RRB in this stage are bigoted against humans, and them breaking out of their brainwashing is a huge part of their character arc).

Brie was adopted at age 4 by Buttercup after several orphanages and foster homes rejected her due to her super status. Who better to raise a troublesome young super than Buttercup herself?She has what can only be described as Chemical X diabetes. The Rowdyruff’s Chem X is already weaker and unstable due to their dubious creation method, and Brie being half human makes her Chemical X even more unstable. Thankfully, Professor Utonium has the capability to give her regular injections and improve her health over time.

She looks up to her mommy Buttercup so much and Buttercup quickly realizes that where she is lacking in physical power, she makes up for in brain power and a strong personality. The new gen of PPG wasn’t complete until Brie arrived and was quickly made the Commander and Leader, despite being the youngest!

And finally, I will reveal more about Brawl once I am far along enough in the story but just a couple of details: his biological parents are Butch and Buttercup, but that shouldn’t be possible in this timeline. So how does he exist? Time travel shenanigans? Multiverse? You’ll just have to wait and see… 😄

[dr-spectre]

hello!

I've seen your hypnoshades callie stuff alot on my feed, and I just kinda had a question for ya.

if the hypnoshades were, indeed, a metaphor for drug abuse by celebrities...would that not make Octavio an enabler, as he allowed Callie to utilise the hypnoshades (and most likely aided in the creation of them) ??

(this does not make Octavio a totally irredeemable bad person, at least not in my opinion. Perhaps it's the only way he knows that he can help Callie, maybe . It's just something that I've noticed that's never really been brought up in the other stuff that you've written).

Okay.... here's the thing about the hypnoshades. it's pretty obvious that Splatoon 2 in someway was rushed and that includes the story mode. It came out 2 years after Splatoon 1 and it launched with not a lot of content. Unlike something like Octo Expansion or ROTM where there is lots of explanations on things and how things work, in Splatoon 2 there isn't that and it's incredibly rushed. We don't fully know the circumstances of what happened to Callie and how Octavio gave her the shades, all we know is that Callie was like "ok fine I'll hear you out" and joined the Octarians cause of reasons I've said a trillion times lmao.

Octavio for sure did some bad shit let's not kid ourselves. He is the antagonist and he's not gonna be all sunshine and rainbows. In some way yeah he enabled Callie to use the shades and therefore she ended up getting addicted to them. Her rematch dialogue in other languages shows that Callie is attached to the shades and is a bad coping mechanism for her because well... She's still doing the acting gig and it's still hurting her.

Heck even Marie in the Russian translation says "why are you so attached to those stupid glasses? Callie, those glasses are only getting in your way!"

However this addiction is actually kinda treated like a joke and makes Callie seem more like an idiot and that.... pisses me the fuck off to no end. I get that Splatoon is silly but this is just near character assassination to me tbh.... Especially how the community treated her in that time.... But i digress.

I still don't think that Octavio is some vile monster that abused Callie in some way shape or form. He treated her as best as he could in that scenario, he didn't restrain her, he didn't force her into anything. He let her decorate bases and do other things because it helped boost the morale of the Octarians, hell the Octarians got inspired by her and made music with her vocals and stuff like that.

I truly believe that the hypnoshades are just that, hypnosis shades. Octavio probably made them for Callie so that she's less likely to just suddenly run off, which is still fucking bad mind you. Callie was willing to stay and yet Octavio was like "just in case....." But here's the thing also, hypnosis isn't mind control and you can't brainwash people with them. The term "brainwashing" is only found in the English translation of the Japanese script and so far we don't have retranslation of the original script and I'm not gonna fully trust the English translation. As a Sonic the Hedgehog fan, i know that some English translations can fuck up important details and completely change the tone of the story so easily lol.

Octavio is more of a caring person than he is not. He has been shown that he does care for troops but he's just a little bossy towards them and he has to be because his race is on the brink of collapse. He has to make these quick and bad decisions to save his people. When his people got kidnapped by Mr. Grizz, he immediately went looking for them and wanted to get revenge. And when he finds out Mr. Grizz did it, he drops his hatred for the New Squidbeak Splatoon and helps them out. His people are his top priority.

Hell if you want the ultimate proof that Octavio isn't the worst person in the world, Callie went with him to the Low Water Party after Octo Expansion, Octavio would not bring a hypnotized Callie that was missing during the events of Splatoon 2 to a fucking rave party, everyone would get his ass lol. So yeah, a Callie not under the influence of any shades went "yeah I'll rave with you!!!!"

She even smiled when Octavio came down to rescue Neo Agent 3 when everyone else was shocked, if that doesn't scream that they are good terms then i don't know what will.

Sorry if this seemed very rambly, when people talk about Hypno/ Octo Callie in any form i lock THE FUCK IN lol!

[ultimate-sword-showdown]

I hope this goes without saying but whoever wins the rematch will face off against the Holy Moonlight Sword for a week. You know for funsies. Not that I have any doubts that the Holy Moonlight Sword will win anyways but it'll be fun to see what happens you know

[shifterin]

FOR THE BEATLES DR ASKS!! i have a few hehehe, answer which ones you like!! tried to format this like interview questions :,)

what is your favourite outfit you've ever worn on stage/one you'd LOVE to wear on stage?

what does a perfect evening look like to you?

What is your favourite memory of you and John from when you two were small?

What is your message for others who'd love to be in a band?

oh, this is fun, you're an angel. thanks for the ask! 

1. to be totally 100% honest with you, all of my outfits are prepared for me by my stylist and i'm mostly indifferent to them. we have an image to upkeep, so what i wear on stage/or in public isn't really reflective of my personal style at all. honestly, i've always been a more minimalistic type of gal, perhaps due to how mimi raised me. so, this is gonna be an incredibly silly answer, but i really want to wear one of those ‘to hell with the beatles’ pins on stage because i think they're hilarious. 

2. my perfect evening is at home indoors or, maybe, on the porch if we need some fresh air. just me and the boys, maybe playing a card game. john is a cheater, but has a terrible poker face, so i always call him out. he'll act like i've committed the ultimate betrayal and start sulking in the corner. george wins, because of course he does, and paul demands a rematch, which george wins again. ringo and i aren't taking it as seriously and are just watching it all unfold with amusement. i keep forgetting the rules of the game because i'm distracted by the way george’s hands move as he's holding the cards. ringo has to lean over and quietly give me tips every so often. he could definitely screw me over, but he's very noble and plays fairly (unlike my clown of a brother.)

3. it's difficult to pin down one memory that i put above all others because, really, they all hold a special place in my heart. so, i'll tell you a couple of my favorite things that john has done/does for me. john once broke a guy’s nose in highschool because he'd had the nerve to say something about me being an uptight bitch to john’s face. john used to distract me when i’d get caught up in the sound of our parents fighting in the other room (of course, he'd do this by tugging on my hair or throwing things at me, but still.) john always defends me from reporters or fans that step out of line, pr training be damned. john always buys me something when he goes out, even when i tell him i don't want anything. i could go on forever, but i don't want this to be terribly long. so, yeah, i love my annoying brother very much. 

4. um, don't do it? no, i’m kidding. more so just… make sure you click with the people you're joining up with, that you can handle sharing your career with them for the years to come. i think it's as easy as it is for us because we were all quite young when we joined, so it was sort of like hanging out with your friends rather than an actual job. it's not for everyone. if you're someone who isn't keen on sharing your success, i’d steer clear. for me, it's great, because i'm not very fond of having all eyes on me. if you're anything like that, it might be perfect for you. plus, once you find your people, they can make the experience even more magical and a lot less lonely. 

[doubleddenden]

Finally, we're at the gen 9 rivals and friends. Honestly some of the best in the series- Some call Arven or Penny Rivals, but that's wrong. Still, I feel weird not including them in the list. They even repeat some old tropes in the franchise, but still manage to pull it off in an enjoyable way.

Anyway, let's get to it

Lets start with the actual main rival, Pokemon Goku, Nemona. Nemona continues the trend of friendly rival with a weaker starter- but she finally does something to make that fun: She's already a champion. She's already a champion, and she's crazy enough to try and groom a complete noob into becoming her ultimate rival. She purposely restarts from the bottom to match us, because she's so battle crazy that she's scared off everyone else. Thus, when we beat her, the joy is JUSTIFIED, because we're another step closer to her ideal rival. She is pretty funny and crazy, a little autistic probably, but I love how she REFUSES to take no for an answer when she asks us to be rivals for life after we, too, become champions. The rush of battling us as two champion tier trainers overwhelms her with joy- because she finally, FINALLY has found someone that can handle her freak and won't run away when she challenges us. Literally, Goku training Uub.

As a trainer, her teams are very packed with hard hitters- and even though she picks the weaker starter, she does have the added benefit of the starters this go around having a reverse type triangle of strengths and resistances. Sure, that goes flying out the window when she terastilizes a Quaquaval against your Meowscarada, but at the same time, if she outspeeds? You're still in trouble. And her final Blueberry rematch team is something INCREDIBLE as well, stacking up with other starters like Infernape or Greninja to help make her already decent team even better. Literally a cut above most of the rivals since Barry, imo, maybe only being outdone by N in terms of struggle at the current level. As a character and rival, 9/10, she's fun, if not as deep as Arven.

As a design... Eh. Kinda middling. She does wear the same uniform as us with a cool little arm thing, so she's not getting *too* much special treatment compared to us, and I think we're all in agreement that the Scarlet version is more fitting for her. I'm not really a fan of the green in her hair or the forehead, and I think maybe it'd be pulled off better with a gold highlight instead on some bangs. I will say, the render looks fine, but she actually looks a bit better in game imo. 7/10 on design, there's more interesting looking rivals imo.

Now that our rival is done, lets take a look at our buddy (since he calls us "Little Buddy," Arven. And of course, he's gotta have Mabosstiff, it feels wrong to separate them. Arven starts off pretty rough, and I thought for a second *he* might be our asshole rival- but then he sends out a Skwovet he just caught. Some time passes, and we're literally traveling the countryside hunting down Titan pokemon, battling them side by side, all to find Herba Mystica- an herb that wasn't even confirmed to exist- just to save his best friend, Mabosstiff. It turns out, Arven is actually a pretty cool guy, even if he's rough around the edges to strangers. His backstory of being practically abandoned by his parents to study in Area Zero- or in the case of his other parent, LEAVE Area Zero without him- is a rather sad and complicated affair that actually intertwines with the legendary we are given, who he partially blames for his parents leaving him. Couple that with his "parent" suddenly contacting us to come to Area Zero to help stop the Time Machine? And then to find out that his real parent died? Bro has gone through a LOT on his own, and him being so good with cooking makes so much sense when you realize it's because nobody else would do it for him. So of COURSE it makes sense he's desperate to save his dog, that dog is the only family he has that hasn't abandoned him! And guess what? Arven is such a bro that he doesn't abandon US either! He knows he's not the hottest shit, but he's still fighting those titantic bastards right next to us, and STILL dives into Area Zero with us to keep us safe AND give his shit mom or dad a piece of his mind.

Now sure, towards the end, I think it's pretty bullshit that he suddenly decides his mom and dad are super interesting and he should learn more about the people who ABANDONED AND NEGLECTED HIM, but he's been through a lot. I do find it ridiculously charming, too, that he's protective enough of us from even Carmine and Kieran, claiming us as his best friend. He even joins the tournament and challenges us because he truly loves battling with us!

Arven is without a DOUBT the heart and soul of Scarlet and Violet's story, next only to our motorcycle-er, dragon. The game probably would not be nearly as tolerable without him in it, and I gotta say, I'm glad a character like him exists. I hope we get to meet him again in future games, healthy and happy. As a character, he is basically 9.5/10.

As a trainer, I think he's definitely not as strong as Nemona, and he's not worried about that kind of thing either. His team is literally the friends he made along the way to saving Mabosstiff, and for the most part are food themed. It's very fitting and another really charming detail about the kind of person he is. I don't sweat fighting him- at least, not until that Garganacl shows up- but I do have fun, and that's how you make a buddy trainer imo. 9/10 for the intention and detail.

As a design, his hair is a mess, being sort of a fusion of Sada and Turo, but again he does look better in game imo. He's both handsome and pretty otherwise, I can see the hype. He's definitely got that strong explorer look, and even though that backpack of his must be HEAVY AF carrying all of those picnic materials, it does fit him and fit the vibe of a desperate treasure hunter. The outfit goes together really well, with my favorite iteration being the violet colors- I want a uniform like this, but alas, ours is separate to spring and autumn. Appearance wise, he definitely reads as someone that probably should have graduated high school by now, being held back for bad grades or just not turning in assignments- he's got better things to do, tbh. On a design perspective, he's 9/10 as well. Just a fantastic character all around. The literal bestest best friend we've ever had.

Penny is...Okay. I think her twist of being the head of Team Star carries her farther than it should, but her plot to dismantle Team Star with you so that they'll start going to classes again is decent enough, and the reveal certainly is entertaining, plus the Eevee love is super relatable- would've been GREAT if we got a new Eeveelution to warrant it, but I digress.

I feel that a lot of her personality doesn't really start to form until AFTER the Team Star story... and tbh, I kind of see why she was bullied. She's a bitch. A funny bitch sometimes, certainly a smart one, but she is still pretty snooty with people for practically no reason, even just trying to have a conversation. I'm a victim of actual targeted and excessive bullying on a physical, mental, and verbal level, and that shit followed me home, too, because people at school knew where I lived. Under no circumstances do I ever condone bullying- but I do gotta say, if you act like a bitch, you're gonna get treated like a bitch. She does mellow out after befriending us, and I do dig the vibe she has a super talented hacker- also she called our mom hot, that's just the funniest shit ever. Otherwise, I think she's probably the weakest link among our friend group. 7/10 character.

BUT WAIT, She's Peony's daughter, and Peonia's sister! That bumps her back up to an 8. Wait til she finds out we're best friends with her dad lol. I explored the Crown Tundra with that man, and the two of us cleared the Galarian Star tournament together, so I can see her just being gobsmacked to see us being chummy together.

As a design, I think it definitely reads as intended: Outcast nerd with a special interest that doesn't fit in at school. I think the hair is a bit much, and the see through skirt with the shorts was probably only added so we wouldn't think she was a boy, because she does have that vibe. Idk, I know they were going for a vibe and it's counter intuitive to make her conventionally look like something or another, but I can't say it vibes with me 100%. But the eyes? Yeah, that's Peony's daughter. Very subtle, especially the name, so when it was officially revealed in game? That was a great connection.

BUT, I will say this: Why does SHE get to get away with dressing however she wants, but not us? I don't get it. I'm just saying, she should have at least HAD to put on the uniform after all was said and done, just like the rest of Team Star.

I will digress. Design for it's purpose is an 8/10. On a personal taste, probably 7, I really like her Eevee backpack and the color of her clothes, but I really dislike her hair.

Onto DLC characters:

Ah Carmine, probably my favorite of the two Kitakami siblings. "But she's abusiveeee!!!!!" You are an only child and it shows. OR, worse, you ARE Carmine and you don't wanna face it. Carmine is probably the most misunderstood character from the fan side, and I'm sick and tired of it. Why? She's not abusive, she's literally a big sister. Let me tell you, as someone that actually HAD an abusive big sister- I'm talking could ruin my life quite easily with just a little blackmail, has physically beaten me as kids, verbally abused me into my 20s, and much, MUCH worse- Carmine is NOT abusive. She is literally just a bitchy older sister, which is pretty common to see on tv or from my friends' older siblings. Does she need to be knocked down a few pegs and taught a lesson? Absolutely, and that's what happens with us and Kieran around. So chill.

So what is Carmine? A vane bitch, yes. She's fun to bully, a bit like Klara in that regard, but Carmine, I think, has a bit more of a satisfactory rebound to someone more likeable. She's still pretty full of herself, but she's actually very thoughtful of others- The only reason she doesn't want to tell Kieran about Ogerpon is because she knows her little brother is obsessed with it. Keep in mind, she's from a village that has indoctrinated its citizens into thinking that thing was dangerous and killed people unwarranted, and her thought process towards foreigners isn't all that uncommon or strange if you've ever heard or read about things like Logan Paul, or your average Hawaiian native dealing with asshole tourists. Plus, you know, she's from a small town in the boonies- it's not a good thing to be xenophobic, but it is an understandable trait for people from places like that to have, as it's very common around here. Plus, she does come around in the end.

In fact, she's so caring of others that she immediately wants to help Ogerpon upon learning she's perfectly innocent, and even when Kieran is off being emo somewhere, she doesn't hesitate for a moment to try and help US help Ogerpon get her masks back from the Lousy Trio. She asks us to help with Kieran, too, and personally recommended us to Blueberry Academy. She's excited to see Ogerpon in your party again when you battle in Blueberry, too, and is a lot more chill by then. I know, people's worst feared trait: CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT! What do you mean this asshole character becomes better? That can't be right!? Jerks are evil people forever and can never be redeemed!

Okay, sure, she could have handled some situations better, but I blame that more on shit writing, which tbh the writers were kind of giving up after the game released in it's shit state. I do hate that she progressively becomes more useless as time passes, and we don't battle her much in Indigo Disc, but I do love her character progression in Teal Mask and how we become closer friends over then. As a character, I'd rank her as an 8. I like her, and I hope we see her again.

As a trainer, and I guess rival? We fight her a few times in Teal Mask, I guess. Her team kinda sucks? But at the same time, she does employ some strategy you probably aren't used to seeing. I know my Hisuian Typhlosion was taken out by her Sinistcha after it survived a weakened Eruption. She could be better, and still has some weaker Pokemon when you first arrive to Kitakami, but that won't last for too long, and I have lost to her once when I wasn't paying attention with a brand new team. 7/10

As a design- I LOVE it. Her hair is really pretty, and it gives me Pike Queen Lucy vibes, who I severely miss. Her eyes are also RIDICULOUSLY pretty, especially in game. She's really tall, too, kinda rare for a girl character in the games- she definitely knows she's pretty, and she's correct. The uniform is the winter one, and it fits just right, and also can be viewed as a subtle description of her character: Cold. The red, black, and gold of her natural self blends in so well with the blue, white, and very subtle reds of the uniform as well. She reads as upper teens as well, maybe about to graduate soonish, which explains her attitude imo lol. 9/10 design

This is also the best render I could find of her Jinbei uniform as well, which is basically just as good as her base uniform all things considered. still a 9/10, wish she wore it more often in Kitakami.

Kieran is the soul of the SV DLC, by all accounts, and I certainly think he's an excellent rival throughout both Teal Mask and Indigo Disc with one of the best character developments in the franchise. Its the reverse of the douchebag rival: He STARTS as your friend and progressively loses his shit because he keeps losing to you, and especially because you take Ogerpon. It is only after surviving certain doom together and knocking off his pedestal that he finally realizes the error of his ways, and we become friends again. I think he gaslit the entire fandom into thinking he was this innocent little uwu shy bean, and while he is certainly empathetic, he's not entirely in the right.

Sure, he believed in Ogerpon before the others- be he liked it BECAUSE it was the monster first. From Ogerpon's perspective, he's just another villager that hates her and is snooping around her den without permission. Maybe we could have told him about Ogerpon sooner, but what good would that do? Need I remind you that we literally had just met him when this shit started happening? All we know is that he's obsessed with the ogre everyone else thinks will kill them. Maybe we shouldn't have lied (we didn't have a choice, shit writing remember?), but at the same time, he could have used critical thinking skills to realize WHY we were lying. When he finally found the truth, instead of immediately helping Ogerpon and forming a bond with her, he starts being mopey and steals the mask, or just avoids her. It's no wonder she sides with us- we actually bonded with it. We helped her fight the lousy trio while he was off being emo. And then when SHE chooses us, he STILL tried to battle us for the RIGHT to catch her.

And the thing is, him snapping and becoming a piece of shit in Blueberry academy is a result of built up resentment. He didn't have to become an asshole just because he hates US now, you know? Sure, maybe to his sister or Drayton, I understand, but he's an absolute dick to innocent people as well and not taking anyone's feelings into consideration, including his own Pokemon. Terrapagos was just curious and wanted to *see* us, not even join our party, and he tosses a Master Ball at it. He's a kid, definitely not in his right mind, but I feel like most of the fans think of him as a "do no wrong" kiddo that we turned into The Joker, when in reality, he's ALWAYS been the Joker, waiting for an excuse to lash out. In fact, Carmine is a bitch, but she cares a lot about others. Kieran is actually a lot more selfish in that regard as a balance- keep in mind that he's an anime teen, and anime teens aren't really the same as regular teens, so he's not innocent in any of this.

But that arc is still something incredible to see unfold. Kieran is a type of rival I've been asking for for years and finally got- crash out and all. He's not the main rival, which sucks, but at the same time, we finally got him! And then? When we make up? We finally have a beautiful friendship again. In Mochi Madness, we even get to team up to stop a psuedo zombie apocalypse. I know a lot of people think we fucked up a perfectly good bean, but the thing is, his flaws and anger MADE him a good character. Things didn't resolve as neatly as I'd like- I personally think the SV writers kinda gave up and just wanted the DLC to be done at some point- but that's a very important aspect about him I like.

Plus... Cmon... You're telling me you DIDN'T take a picture of him when you caught Ogerpon and when you took the championship from him?

As a character, I think he gets a 9. I certainly was hoping that maybe he was under the influence of some malevolent legendary, but it turns out he's the normal one and was just built that way.

Team wise, he starts out pretty weak, but it's a story in and of itself. He uses pretty cute Pokemon at first, mostly just randos you catch in Kitakami- but then he snaps trying to take Ogerpon from you. His first big boy team is a team of MONSTERS- stuff like Shiftry and Yanmega- both oger and oni coded and described- but then you also have some intense strategy with stuff like a Gliscor that has an ice type weakening berry and Hyper Cutter, Probopass with both Sturdy AND a special attack boosting berry, and his Poliwrath has both Belly Drum AND a sitrus berry. About the only thing that stands out is his little Dipplin.

Getting to Blueberry, when he's champion? Bro uses a competitive viable team- He an has a fucking Intimidating Incineroar, aka the scourge of VGC since Sun and Moon in 2016. Then he has a Grimmsnarl that sets up Reflect and Light Screen PLUS Sucker Punch. A Politoed with Drizzle AND Helping Hand that pairs excellently with his Dragonite that has both Hurricane AND Thunder- which does not miss in rain btw- and also holds an Expert Belt. Then he's also got a Life Orb (30% extra damage at the cost of hp) on his Porygon-Z with Adaptability (increases STAB to x2 instead of 1.5) and Hyper Beam, basically he OKO's everything that doesn't resist. Then to top all that off, his Hydrapple has an assault vest- increasing his special defense- but then he TERAS to fighting to avoid the obvious Ice type weakness, and this thing is a monster all on its own.

Now that is seriously a tough rival, and I think one of the hardest fights I ever had. If you wanna troll him, you can even bring out Ogerpon during the fight at BBA and he'll have a small melt down. Probably one of my favorite fights in all seriousness. That alone makes him a 9/10 for battling and rivalry.

As far as designs go, let's start with the basic look: Wet cat. He looks incredibly shy and innocent, and of course reads like a little kid you wanna befriend and protect. It's a trap though, as his eyes have a snake-like glow to really show off just how fucked up he is. Carmine's hair has scarlet undertones, and Kieren has violet, which makes for a nice tie in to the games. I don't really know what the deal with the headband is, but it's fine. I think it's a 7/10, I certainly like the hair better this way.

his Festival Jinbei isn't really much different, just loses all the blues and reds and goes all in on white. Its a fit that looks good and, again, I wish he got to wear it more. 8/10

Ah, and Joker Arc Kieran, probably my favorite look. Peak levels of DOUCHEBAG right here from design alone. He's got his hair pulled back into a man bun that kinda looks like an onion or a peach- and yet that damn peach had nothing to do with him. He's letting his jacket slide off and wearing looser socks- he no really cares about appearances, and to top all of that off? The red tank top underneath. This is peak asshole design, and I really dig it. It makes his breakdown all the better. I do wish we could somehow pair his regular hair with this outfit, but it's good enough. 8/10, I think he could've gone further with the douchebag look with some baggier, longer pants.

all in all, Kieran is a 9/10 for being the crashout rival I've been asking for for years. Still can't believe Nemona beat him.

And with that, we are caught up with protagonists, friends, and rivals up to gen 9, minus ZA, which I will do a more thorough review of once I get more info.

What should I review next? Or should I give it a break? Champions? Box mascots? Legendaries? Evil Teams?

[mysterylover123]

Watching G1 Transformers Ultimate Doom Part 3

You know maybe I was a bit too harsh on Spike last time. His voice actor really sells the angst of his dad turning evil. Though with Megsy having a Darth Vader helmet I want at least one incarnation of him to pull an "I am your father" on someone.

That tiny autobot just wiped out Shockwave AND Soundwave with two tiny shots? No just no.

Starscream finally decided to backstab Megs! Geez took him way too long this time.

And Screamer has the best luck of anyone ever because Megs is like two seconds from killing him and then gets a phone call so Screamer can get away.

Booo you shouldn't make me think we'll get an OP vs Megs rematch and then not do it dammit.

LOL the autobots surfing! This is hilariously awesome, but I feel kinda bad for them cause this is the only chance they'll get.

But actually the ending plot twist was great, such a clever use of Megs own idiotic plan against him. Though how the hell did Cybertron survive all this.

And take a shot for AGAIN someone assuming Megs is dead. This time is way more reasonable though, how DID he survive that explosion?

I've started watching some of Transformers Animated on the side and that started with Megs getting taken out by a bomb by Starscream. But here a PLANET MOVING explosion barely makes a dent on him. Damn.

Also are he and OP actually soulmates with like built in sensors for when the other is dead? How does OP know he's still alive? And will the next episode remember Starscream is off doing his own thing here!?

[moobloom-mention]

Making Amends Through the Splinters of My Patience

Summary: Shadow regrets ever accepting Sonic's offer to teach him how to play a video game. The blue hedgehog cheats more than Maria ever had when a sick day was on the line, and he's even better at denying Maddie and Tom's suspicious involvement with G.U.N.

Content Warning(s): Themes of Dehumanization

Word Count: 1629

I wanted to try my hand at writing some Sonic and Shadow interactions. Also, thank Blame for the title, she's been a really good sport about helping me with them lmao

----------

"You're annoying me, hedgehog."

Shadow's eyebrows remain furrowed intensely, his discontent merely half to blame for such a drastic expression. The other half centers entirely on his attempts to focus on the video game before him, the Wachowski's living room television a flash of blinding colors Shadow has only just begun to grow used to.

He'd never seen anything like it back with...well, back at the underground facility. The movies that scientists had managed to sneak past military personnel usually consisted solely of shades of black, grey, and white. Only a handful bared color.

Though even then all the footage still had an odd, grainy look to them. He'd always compared it to a crumpled piece of paper that'd been flattened out once more.

It was still a piece of paper. There was just something...off about it.

The Wachowski's television didn't have the familiar grainy texture, Shadow's character jumping ecstatically to an upper platform. A clearly defined ring of blue light forms beneath its feet as Shadow presses the jump button twice with a satisfying click-click.

Sonic's character zips away from an attack in a flurry of blue shades, and for once Sonic doesn't even offer a knowing smirk toward the very real threat beneath the black hedgehog's words. The threat that says Shadow can and will bury him alive if Sonic doesn't stop trying to "discreetly" jostle the controller from his grasp.

The first time that blue elbows had knocked into his, Shadow had naively passed off the notion that Sonic simply couldn't sit still. It'd made enough sense in the moment- being the fastest thing alive meant Sonic had plenty of energy reserves that needed to be drained constantly. It must have been infuriating trying to stay in one place for so long, even if playing "Smash-something-Ultimate" had been Sonic's idea in the first place.

The second time it happened Shadow had to refrain from instinctively decking Sonic over just how violent his jab had been, black and red quills flared amidst his cold glare. Sonic had only slightly shrunk back at the sight baring a frustratingly innocent expression.

He's starting to regret the fact that he'd forced himself to relax and carry on with the game. He'd figured the subtle bruise to his ego was a small price to pay if it helped to rebuild the fragile bit of trust Sonic's handlers had given him.

It'd already been shocking enough when they agreed to let him into their home. He wouldn't let Sonic's less-than-subtle attempts to rile him up break such a thing.

A few well-timed clicks of his attack button send Sonic's character into the sky in a blaze of grey clouds. It triggers an entourage of frantic clicks from Sonic's controller, the blue mechanical character trying its hardest to scramble back onto the platform.

Maroon eyes flash with triumph. Even if Sonic were to make it and save himself, Shadow would only need a single hit to be declared the game's winner.

His finger barely flicks over the attack button before a warm glove suddenly latches onto his shoulder. His neck aches from how quickly his head twists, his expression contorted in raw confusion.

Sonic's wild grin feels blinding as his canine's flash in the television's light and for a moment Shadow swears the world stops. A part of him, desperate and exasperated, hopes that the hedgehog will simply continue on with a half-assed "congrats" and whiny demand for a rematch. After all, they hadn't bet anything for this round.

The only real thing to accomplish would be the preservation of the winner's pride.

...oh god. He was fucked the moment he let his guard down enough for Sonic to grab him.

The world resumes just in time for Sonic to throw him to the living room floor in a graceless pile of limbs.

Shadow doesn't let himself sulk, a spark of red illuminating the room as he teleports himself back to a standing position. He tenses, fully expectant that Sonic will continue his odd definition of "rough-housing", but Sonic doesn't move from his seat.

In fact, the blue hedgehog remains a perfect image of tranquility, a pleasant smile on his muzzle with that damned controller still clicking away in his hands.

"GAME!"

No. There's no way.

Shadow whirls. The three platforms from the game's arena are gone, replaced with a clip of Sonic's character shooting off into the distance. It stops only after a golden "1" appears to the left of the screen. A less than favorable taunt in the room's dim lighting.

His jaw aches with how harshly he grits his teeth. "I don't know how your handlers haven't given up on you," he bites out. It's petty, he knows it, but under different- more preferable -circumstances, Shadow would've just sent Sonic flying across the room for such a childish stunt.

Even worse, it seems his hesitancy to instigate a proper fight only seems to embolden Sonic, the subtle tension Shadow hadn't even noticed lining the hedgehog's shoulders releasing. Pride stakes its claim on Sonic's voice as he tuts. "For the last time, Shads-"

A low growl rumbles in his throat. And there goes that god-forsaken nickname Sonic refuses to drop.

Sonic's grin widens. "-Tom and Maddie aren't my 'handlers'."

Shadow scoffs, folding his arms across his chest. "You're a terrible liar, hedgehog."

An odd mix between a faux gasp of offense and dejected huff escape Sonic's throat. It certainly doesn't help the blue hedgehog's attempt to look convincing.

When there's no additional commentary Shadow rolls his eyes. He plucks his own controller from the ground, setting it neatly back onto the living room's coffee table. His eyebrows knit only as he focuses on the stage select menu.

They'd only gotten through a handful of games, surely he could goad Sonic into a rematch.

A sharp gust of wind halts Shadow's thought much quicker than he would've liked. His unimpressed glance proves the blue hedgehog to have moved into an upside-down position; definitely suboptimal for video games.

Gloved fingers twiddle themselves on the peach color of Sonic's stomach.

"Hey, Shadow?"

"Hm."

"Why would I have handlers?"

Shadow's ear flicks. Sonic can't be seriously asking why the bright blue alien hedgehog from space might have been given government handlers to watch over him.

His silence must've spoken such because Sonic at least has enough decency to look embarrassed.

"Fine, fine," Sonic huffs. His expression morphs into something amused, a short "pft" of laughter escaping his mouth. "But why would Tom and Maddie be my handlers? They, I dunno, hate G.U.N?"

They certainly didn't seem like they hated G.U.N. enough to stop Sonic or his companions from being sent to Tokyo.

"They monitor you."

Blue eyebrows draw themselves downcast. "I mean, yeah, but not in a creepy government way. They just make sure I'm safe."

"But they track you."

"You make it sound gross," Sonic complains loudly. "Having Life360 isn't some government ploy to keep me contained. 'Sides, Maddie and Tom let me leave Green Hills whenever I want. Don't think that sounds like 'handler behavior', pal."

Begrudgingly Shadow gives a curt nod. It certainly isn't handler behavior he's familiar with, though it wouldn't be surprising if some handlers decided to take more liberties than others.

The important part was that the asset was where it needed to be when necessary. A part that the Wachowskis had previously played swimmingly for G.U.N.

"You have your own medical personnel," Shadow offers instead. "And someone who works directly in law enforcement."

"Y'know, we call those 'careers' around here," Sonic snarks. "Tom and Maddie had their jobs long before they met me. And they haven't changed even after G.U.N. became involved."

"Hmm."

The air feels stifling as an oddly charged spout of silence finally filters into the atmosphere. Shadow hadn't thought Sonic would be so defensive about such a subject.

Denial? He wonders.

Shadow stares as blue ears suddenly flatten against Sonic's head, green eyes looking pointedly toward the ground before he takes a sharp breath. He looks nervous. No, uncertain.

"...was Maria your handler?"

Something ugly curls within his throat, Shadow's expression hardening for reasons he isn't quite sure of. If anyone had been his handler under G.U.N. it had been the Professor, an arrangement that Shadow still looks back on quite fondly. There shouldn't be a negative connotation there.

And yet...

His fists clench.

And yet Maria never would've- even if she had been old enough, she would've refused such a title.

Black quills slowly flatten themselves.

"No," Shadow finally admits softly. "She... was a friend. Someone more than just a too-friendly face to track my whereabouts."

Despite the somber tone Sonic brightens immediately. He zips onto his feet, pumping his fist into the air in celebration of something Shadow isn't quite sure of.

"Oh-ho! That's the one! Tom and Maddie are friends. Er, well, parental figures? I dunno, I'm still not sure how my answer will affect canon."

Shadow blinks. Once. Twice.

Oh. Oh.

He's not quite prepared to address Sonic's implication that humans are capable of taking a more... parental role for beings outside of their species. It would rewrite much of his time in the facility under a new light.

A light that ignites an odd spout of jealousy to swell within his chest.

"...interesting."

The word doesn't nearly encompass the world of uncertainty Sonic's awakened, but it's all he manages to mutter amidst the crashing waves of his own thoughts.

"I try not to think too hard about it," Sonic admits with a wink. It's hardly the comforting notion Sonic must think it is. "But whaddaya say to another game of Smash, Shads?"

"That sounds..."

Like trouble? Like it'll end in even more demands for a rematch?

"...nice. That sounds nice."