#to his best friend alive and on time??? superb.

[orangeblobby]

I really love the way that fights/combat are written in the httyd books in general, but i have a big soft spot for when they turn comedic-- especially when hiccup is unarmed and decides that the only way forward is to start frantically throwing things at people.

[vitanithepure]

Can we talk about Gale again? And Mystra, one last time? Or at least let me vent? I know it seems like I can't shut up about it, but deal with me this one last time?

It's a long one, an fervent one, and possibly the last one on their relationship because there isn't much to tell for me after this. I just want to lay it to rest on my part, it's too emotionally draining, but I wanted to do this.

Spoilers for them ahead.

It was some time ago I did the talk with Mystra and Gale as an origin character and I needed some time to process this and gather my thoughts. Because I was left reeling with how personal it felt for me and I hated seeing that to bo honest, even though I think whoever did write this scene did it... very well. I feel a lot of thought went into it, so even though it does touch a delicate subject it does it as tastefully as possible.

Okay, let's begin with a real banger.

Why? This will forever read as "I gave you a solution, explain yourself why you didn't die when I asked you to." for me. What kind of messed up question is that to ask someone?

But can I say how there is absolutely no wrong anwser to that asinine question? You can roleplay however you wish, but none of them are bad anwsers. Some of them are more heartbreaking then the others, but none are in any way making excuses. There is nothing to excuse and I'm glad whoever wrote this dialogue recognized this.

I chose the "I have someone else to live for" one here, because I felt that Gale, at this point, really found that special someone, be it a friend or lover, to live for. It's gut-wrenching that he needed someone to keep him alive in the first place, but this is what having an abusive ex does to you.

But the other choices here? All of them fair. She absolutely had no right to ask that of him, no matter the crime, that's just a fucked up thing to expect.

Being afraid to die? Valid, this shouldn't be put up to question.

Two last ones? Pure gold. I treat the fourth one as a direct jab at her own teachings, on how all magic needs to be preserved and studied? It's like him saying "Hey, I did what you expected and now your mad?".

The very last one is poetic justice. "I owe you nothing." and if that were me this would be the absolute end of this discussion. Mic drop, I'm out of here.

And okay, I did take he self-pity route with "I let you down." here becuase this is what I believe is closest to how "canon" Gale feels about this. That's the most heartbreaking thing about it, that he believes he was not worth enough before and is even less now and doesn't deserve love, of any kind.

What are the other options? Well, all in character and each seems like a valid way for Gale to feel. But me, the player, who is fortunate to know some meta knowledge? Oh boy.

"I was a danger to you." No you weren't. She is the goddess of magic, one of the most powerful out here. She is magic. All you could do is make her day worse.

"I disobeyed you." Yeah, you did. And she sentenced you to a slow death for it.

"You were threatened." Eh, not really. But what comes after that statement? "You realised you couldn't control me."? Yes, that is the only thing she felt threatened about - loosing control.

"Our relationship bored you. The orb was just an excuse to end it." I mean... maybe? Not enough is known about it but seeing how all reincarnations of Mystra are fickle lovers at best I would say it's a possibility. Even if it is just his ego speaking here - damn, what a way to end a relationship.

She has the audacity to tell him "he only thought of himself". Pot calling the kettle much?

Oooh, but I love what we can say here. The amout of vicious call outs here is superb.

We get to call out how much of a control freak she is. Then we can say how out of place was her punishment. Because I feel like it was a fucking equivalent of throwing a child into a dark cellar for breaking your favorite cup, while all they wanted to do was wash it for you. That is how imbalanced this whole thing is and I'm not taking criticism on that.

We also get to straight up ask what was the lesson if she never let him know what he really did and left him without means to make things right?

Then my favorite. Straight up ask her how many lives was she willing to sacrifice to get rid of the problem?

And last but not least - call her out on her lies. That's what she did. Why? I don't know. Was she afraid? Possibly, because the Karsite Weave + Crown of Karsus combo could potentially threaten her. Potentially, because as we saw in one of the Gale endings, she has no problem with just getting rid of a newly ascended god wielding them. That leads me to believe she is not afraid of loosing power as much as just being rivaled with. The indignity she has to suffer, truly.

Hit a nail on the head here. Who cares about mortals, if they live or die and in how many droves? Competition comes knocking, so all gloves are off. And that is what I believe to be the crux of the matter. Mystra wants to remove the Absolute (because that's the new upstart god breaking the status quo), the orb containing he rival Weave, the Crown which threatens her rule over magic all in one swoop. Oh, and that one guy who tries too hard and refuses to die. No biggie. Who cares, she has a line of followers who would replace her Chosen at any given time.

I'm a salty bitch over the fact we can't keep the Crown of Karsus, but instead of using it - just hide it away again. Stablize Gale's Karsite Weave and keep that thing around, hidden away. Let her sweat over the idea someone else might find it one day and rival her rule.

I know I'm way too emotional about it, but like I said, it's very personal - I been there, done that, and never recovered in full after it. I'll die defending anyone and any pixels who are struggling with their self-worth and trying to get over an emotionally abusive relationships.

"Be the better person, die saving the world and I'll 'forgive' you." Fuck. You.

And a bonus, for those of you who stuck around till the end, because I was totally naming the screens and yelling at my monitor while doing this.

[myyoungroyalsblog]

Red, White and Royal Blue fic rec part 2 (part 1)

*Note: I have a lot of unfinished fics in my subscriptions but since there are over 120+ fics there from other fandoms too I won’t be able to add those, when they are finished I’ll do another post in the future!

*Also couldn't find some of these writers here on tumblr, if you know tell me and I’ll add their @ beside it!

MULTI-CHAPTER

Things I Cannot Accept

18 chapters, 69.703 words

By @sprigsofviolets AU where Ellen lost the election in 2016 and Henry and Alex reconnect in 2019. Super cute and interesting story, with a lot of fluff and angst, amazingly written!

Captious (calculated to confuse, entrap or entangle in argument)

3 chapters, 14.256 words

Blind date AU... Well... Sort of... You'll know when you read it hehe but honestly so so sweet with a bit of angst but so much fluff!

My Only Wish (This Year)

7 chapters, 26.374 words

By @dracowillhearaboutthis AU where Henry marries a woman and has two daughters, set 10 years later and Alex and Henry reconnect, and maybe a romance blooms... Of course it does lol very cute kid fic (with a bit of angst too) but still lots of fluff!

Comfort Crowd

8 chapters, 12.098 words

To all the boys I've loved before AU, I don't like the film but since I'm such a sucker for these two of course I read it and got obsessed with it afajsgshsvsg

And they call it—

2 chapters, 10.148 words

By @clottedcreamfudge AU where Alex can talk to animals, so when Henry needs a dog sitter he goes to Alex, and he and David obviously talk about Henry. So funny and fluffy, guaranteed to make you smile!

(do i really have to tell you) how he brought me back to life?

7 chapters, 38.498 words

By @coffeecatsme High school AU where Henry gets kicked out by Mary and lives with Alex's family. A whole lot of angst and a whole lot of fluff, just a superb story!

I'm Taking A Ride With My Best Friend

23 chapters, 79.302 words

By @cultofsappho The Last of Us AU where Henry is immune and Alex helps him get to the fireflies in hopes to create a vaccine. If you've watched the tv show or played the game, you know how this goes lol could not recommend it enough, so much angsty but has fluffy moments too! And the writing is impeccable

i'd lie

6 chapters, 18.058 words

AU where Alex and June move to England with thier mum and have the Fox family as their neighbours, we see the super six throughout the years and how Henry lies might not work anymore... If you want angst, this is the fic for you

ONE SHOT

talk too much

3.307 words

By @lazybug16 Alex has his wisdom teeth removed and Henry takes care of him, just fluff fluff fluff, super adorable (yes self promo because I'm very proud of this fic, I love it)

I trace your constellations

13.498 words

Soulmates, coffee shops and demi Henry AU, just pure flirting and fluff, suuuuuuper cute read!

Never Truly Leave

2.443 words

By @clottedcreamfudge Catherine finds a letter that Arthur wrote... To Alex. We cry alongside Alex as he reads it; very emotional, it will make you cry, and fall in love with these characters all over again, could not recommend enough

you knew the entire time (you knew that i'm a mastermind)

8.239 words

By @coffeecatsme Uni and autistic Henry AU, we see Alex and Henry fall in love. Fluffy but also a bit of angst, you just want to protect Henry and tell him everything is going to be okay

starry eyes sparking up my darkest nights

16.367 words

By @coffeecatsme Hugh school AU where Arthur is also alive and becomes like a second father to Alex. Very very sweet with a bit if angst as well, you'll love it and might have a few happy tears towards the end

learning to love (without it having to hurt)

4.861 words

AU where they aren't famous and they are roommates. We see Henry figure out his asexuality and Alex be there for him, and them getting together of course :) very very sweet read!

The last letter

2.173 words

By @floatingaway4 They are in the afterlife, at peace. This weiter managed to combine angst and fluff at the exact same time and I don't know how they did it, it will make you ugly happy cry!

Fourty-Four Days

8.675 words

They are living in the Brownstone when Henry needs to go to europe for the shelters and Alex to California for a campaign, and they end up not seeing each other for 44 days, and it's too much. Angsty but then fluffy, it just hurts seeing them miss each other so so much

take me out, and take me home

11.837 words

Roommates AU and we see Alex get some feelings, only friendly feelings of course... Really cute story and ending!

i’d take the bomb in your head and disarm it

22.392 words

By @evanbuvkley roommates AU and friends to angsty friends to lovers afahsgsjshdj so much angst that you might cry but a bit of fluff too (happy ending don't worry) such an engaging story, very well executed

and I wrote down our song

6.072 words

AU where Alex is a musician and Henry isn't a prince and they meet at a bar where Alex is performing. Super cute and we see how they fall in love and grow and it's just full of joy!

Group therapy

3.243 words

By @stutteringpeach AU where Ellen is Henrys therapist and he is dating Alex and talks to Ellen about their relationship, without knowing that it's actually his boyfriends mum... They "meet" at a family cook out and its honestly hilarious lmao you will not stop laughing

[klonoa-at-blog]

From: Nintendo World (May 2009)

Complete evolution in a remake. Originally released in the competition's first generation, the game Klonoa became famous for uniting graphically superb scenarios, hyper-fun platform gameplay and a very charismatic protagonist in the same package. Now, with this Nintendo Wii remake, things... have changed little. At first, you'll notice that this game is a kind of "remake on steroids": it's exactly the same thing you saw on old consoles, but now with sharper graphics, 3D scenery that really looks 3D, and a or other gameplay tweaks. Despite offering absolutely nothing new, it manages to amuse up to a certain point.  Klonoa tells the story of a type of "humanoid rabbit", who, after falling from a gigantic ring coming from space, gains a little friend called Huepow. Later on, the protagonist has a nightmare of pirate ships and dark clouds, and wakes up only to discover that his imagination has become a reality. Now to investigate why this is all happening and prevent the world from being swallowed by darkness, you must take the rabbit and his cosmic friend through a series of levels in the best platform style, while unraveling mysteries in real time.  Graphically, the game is quite beautiful, I admit. The settings are alive, verdant, remarkably designed and well designed. You even get a sense of depth, although you can only move in two axes. You use a button to jump, which when pressed continuously will make Klonoa float for a short time. In addition, the intrepid hero has a ring that allows him to capture enemies and throw them in three spectrums of movement - front, back, and background. Couple this simple but responsive gameplay with superb graphics and gorgeous cutscenes, and you have a platform game worthy of the glimpse of excellent RPGs.  The problem is that the game is kind of short, and at times too easy. The enemies succumb easily to your movements, while it is difficult for them to overthrow your character. Despite the air of innovation that this Wii version manages to give, you can't deny that the primary objectives can be completed without major mishaps.  At least the boss battles can be a bit of a headache, which keeps the replay factor of this title at a really satisfying level. But don't expect epic fights or find an enemy that can beat you right away: as I said before, it's relatively easy to overcome obstacles, and all you'll need here is a little attention. Of course, stupid blunders like "jumping beyond the reach of the ground" and the like won't be forgiven by even the dumbest of your naysayers.  The extras are really good: reproduction of the game's music, reverse mode, visualization of the concept models of the primary stages of development of the game. Everything you're entitled to and more. It may not be innovative, but it's worth the investment.

[jgroffdaily]

Merrily We Roll Along reviews Part 4

Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

Broadway never saw a better triple-act than Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez and Daniel Radcliffe, the triumphant triumvirate at the heart of the gorgeous new revival of “Merrily We Roll Along” directed by the famed British musical theater star Maria Friedman. What a delight they are to watch as life kicks their ever-hopeful characters in the teeth.

But I’ll wager most everyone does. As Sondheim says in one lyric, “Who’s like us, damn few!”

The late, great one could have been talking about these performances. Friedman unlocked many previously problematic aspects of this show, but one of the main keys was to understanding that Mary (Mendez), the sidekick to the aspiring writer-composer team of Franklin Shepard (Groff) and Charley Kringas (Radcliffe) is not the third wheel but the lead.

Mendez has every shade of Mary down cold: the charm, the drinking, the talent, the self-destructive tendencies. But the biggest achievement here is how this fine actress telegraphs how differently humans cope, or fail to cope, with disappointment. Some roll merrily along. Some, like Mary, fall off the carousel. Or jump. It’s a stunner of a performance.

But then Groff, whose singing and energy drive the show, is also superb: his character refuses to see plenty of stuff, but the denials clearly show on Groff’s face, and in his voice. Radcliffe is similarly complicated: his Charley is quiet, sweet, sad, modest of expectation, always fighting off cynicism, still trying to believe in the face of whatever evidence to the contrary life is delivering. This is the best thing I have ever seen this actor do.

But it’s the clearly warm relationship between the three stars that make this show, their palpable, present-tense enjoyment of each other when performing Tim Jackson’s very human choreography, a manifestation of fun and fear. Friedman’s direction and approach to the show seems to have freed these three stars to reveal more of themselves than before.

“Merrily” is even better than it was at the New York Theater Workshop. Its essential intimacy has been retained and it has deepened considerably, as shows that so depend on the relationship of the actors often do.

Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly

Merrily is undoubtedly a star vehicle for Groff, who is no stranger to having two pretty best friends after his Tony-nominated turn in Spring Awakening, and it's a challenge that he more than rises to in his stellar performance as Frank. His older version of the character spins through each scene like a mirrorball, sizing up each target and successfully winning them over with a perfectly tailored version of his personality under Amith Chandrashaker's spotlights. (It's that perfectionism that makes Frank's stone cold, unblinking fury during Charley's televised meltdown all that much more affecting.) As he wades toward his younger years, Groff allows Frank's true nature — or, perhaps, the one that his ambition has stolen away — to seep through, painting him as a starry-eyed composer who wholeheartedly loves music, his friends, and his first wife.

As time travels, Radcliffe's resentment slowly melts away into a promising partnership between Charley and Frank, one that sees both of them gleefully working in perfect tandem.

The trio's bond cannot be denied as they toe tap, sashay, and leap their way through sparkling performances like "Old Friends" and "Opening Doors," trade lighthearted back-and-forth barbs without hesitation, and often come together for three-way pinky links like true time-tested pals.

But, when a previously referenced plot point suddenly clicks into place amongst the audience, or when its knockout trio are firing on all cylinders at its forefront, Merrily is truly a sight to behold. What a time to be alive, indeed.

Adam Feldman, Time Out NY

That’s one reason Friedman’s version works so well: She has trained her eye on just the right stars. Groff, Radcliffe and Mendez are so appealing as performers that they moot the pinched negativity of their characters’ first appearances. All three deliver exceptional work.

As the story moves backward, Groff’s pallid Frank begins to glow with excitement and sincerity; he makes you feel how much Frank loves writing music, and what a self-betrayal his abandonment of it represents.

[jakesuit0]

Fionna and Cake Review

Mirroring the first episode of the series, “Fionna and Cake” throws us into a new world with absolutely no context. Watching this for the first time with no outside knowledge leaves viewers dumbfounded (definitely check out some reaction videos for this one in particular). Not just from the opening scene, but from Adventure Time’s very first variation on its intro. Natasha Allegri, the creator of Fionna and Cake, sings it. There’s some cool details, like a gingerbread version of Rebecca Sugar replacing the usual Gingerbread Muto, based on her storyboard partner. “Fionna and Cake” ends up being the perfect encapsulation of what makes Adventure Time so special, a feat possibly only matched by the series finale itself. 

It’s super fun seeing alternate versions of the characters, a trend that started here. It’s gimmicky but who cares. The designs are pretty much all superb (thanks Nat!). My only criticism is the baffling decision to make Cake’s eyes white after Allegri’s original art got them right with blue eyes. The casting is just as good. Madeleine Martin (Fionna), Roz Ryan (Cake), Neil Patrick Harris (Prince Gumball), and Grey DeLisle (Ice Queen), make for the best guest voice cast of the series. They sound like the perfect genderswapped versions of the main characters, capturing the core of the regular characters while reflecting their subtle differences. Giving the characters similar but altered personalities really pushes this one over the edge. Fionna is as heroic as Finn, and gets uncomfortable being open about romance like he does. She’s a little more mature and takes situations a little more seriously, as girls mature faster than boys. Cake has the most distinguishing traits. She’s sassier and Jake’s laziness is replaced with a more unfiltered, provocative attitude (“tell Gumball you think he’s hot!”). We don’t see a ton of Prince Gumball, as it’s technically not him for most of it, but he’s the closest to his genderbent counterpart. He even has hints at a darker side, lying about the jelly kinders being alive. Ice Queen is just as creepy and perverted as Ice King, but is more outwardly sinister. When you sound more like Azula than Spongebob, that’s bound to happen. Even her ice magic created clouds are darker and more foreboding. It’s her best and most significant role to date. The characters are just as fun as the main cast are in seasons one and two. If the series was about this version of the world instead, it would still be a great series, and it would have been interesting to see how these characters would have developed differently.

Prince Gumball, like Princess Bubblegum, doesn’t view Fionna as a romantic interest. He invites Fionna to the ball as his “pal”. The age gap is just as much a roadblock as it is for Finn and PB. Ice Queen attacks Gumball with a slush beast. She has the ability to create water and foam, in addition to ice. Ice King lacks this ability, although he probably could conjure liquid water in a hotter environment. This could be tied to Ice Queen’s backstory as a water nymph, explored in Natasha Allegri’s dubiously canon Fionna and Cake comic miniseries. After Fionna seemingly defeats Ice Queen, Gumball flirts with Fionna and asks her out. Cake pushes her to pursue PG, more so than Jake ever does. Cake tags along on the date, as Jake does in “Burning Low” and “Ignition Point”.

They meet with Prince Gumball and Lord Monochromicorn. In addition to having a sick design, Monochromicorn speaks in morse code instead of Korean. I headcanon him as deaf. Too bad it’s his only appearance in the series. It’s funny that the series never acknowledges him as Gumball’s pet/best friend again, like how the PB/Lady dynamic was mostly dropped after “What Have You Done?”. Gumball gives Ice Queen a badass crystal sword. I love how it's just as cool as any of Finn’s swords. They really make sure to put these characters on equal footing to their counterparts. It’s hidden inside a bouquet of flowers, showing that Ice Queen knows what Fionna really likes. I like how it subverts the gender dynamics. Girls can like swords too! She also picks up Prince Gumball a few times which is cool! I did think to myself that there’s no way she has the upper body strength to do that, but realized neither does Finn at this age and I never questioned that! Fionna assures Gumball that she’s not thinking of butts after saying she’ll kick his in a race, meaning that she definitely likes his ass. I’m glad that Cake points out that they were the ones doing the actual work in the race. 

It would be a huge missed opportunity to not get to see this version of the characters sing, especially when they have Neil Patrick Harris. It’s a simple song, but the best of the series so far. The background of the sky with the fireworks, as well as Fionna and Gumball’s hair blowing in the wind, make it truly beautiful. It’s reminiscent of “A Whole New World”. Unlike the scene in Aladdin, Fionna gets to fight during it! I love the blend of action and romance here, it would have sucked for a story about girl Finn to just be a straightforward date. No wonder these characters became so popular. It gave girls a great character to see themselves in and showed that girls can be just as badass as Finn. 

Fionna returns to the treehouse after being asked to the ball as Gumball’s girlfriend. I like the detail that BMO still looks exactly the same, considering he’s genderfluid. Fionna straight up puts on Princess Serenity’s dress. It’s not my favorite Sailor Moon inspired outfit she ever wears, but it’s still gorgeous. There’s some new genderswaps at the ball, most notably Marshall Lee. He was originally going to have a few lines here, but they were cut for time. Rebecca Sugar begged Pendleton Ward to let her work Marshall into the story elsewhere, but he didn’t let up. If this was the only Fionna and Cake episode, I definitely would not have cut his lines. But, I think it’s for the best that they saved something that fans so desperately wanted for another episode. Lumpy Space Prince is there too and it’s funny that he looks exactly the same besides the mustache stubble. We’ve also got Cinnamon Bun with a green dress, a bow, and boobs. I assume CB would have the same name.  

Trigger Warning (Sexual Assault, Feel Free to Skip the Next Two Paragraphs)

The next scene is really intense and I’m glad they somehow got it past the censors. Prince Gumball takes Fionna to his bedroom, locks the door, and starts undressing. It’s a mislead that he’s about to sexually assault her, which is so dark for this show. She backs away and is clearly uncomfortable. They really didn’t shy away from the intricacies of the different gender dynamic, and the danger that girls face from predators. If it were Finn and Princess Bubblegum, it would be just as predatory, but I don’t think Finn would have the exact same reaction. I think he would be shy and embarrassed, but not fearful.  

Ice Queen reveals herself. It’s a great twist and I like that it sidesteps the problematic nature of Gumball dating Fionna. Fionna’s dress being torn in half is great symbolism for Fionna. She can be feminine and wear pretty dresses if she wants while still being a strong, badass warrior. Both sides are Fionna! Cake hears Fionna shouting “get it off me” from downstairs. She also senses that Fionna is in danger. This plays into both the instincts of a pet as well as the duty women feel to protect each other in situations like this. Fionna defeats Ice Queen and frees Gumball. This leaves Cake to find Fionna and Gumball alone in his room, with Fionna’s dress ripped off and his hand on her. Cake immediately jumping to the obvious conclusion is pretty reasonable, even if it is hypocritical that she spent the episode encouraging Fionna to go out with an adult. 

Cake tries on Ice Queen’s tiara, which Fionna knocks off, saying she might “catch her crazy”. It’s interesting because it suggests that Ice King is aware of the effect the crown has on him on some level. Part of Ice King must also see himself as a villain, so there is some amount of self-awareness in him somewhere. I’m trying hard not to address the elephant in the room, but I do like to think Ice King is indeed the one who came up with the finer details and specific lines of dialogue, which is supported by the ending. The real Gumball asks Fionna for a date, which doesn’t make much sense, so I also think that’s just Ice King’s input. Fionna’s mini-speech about not needing a boyfriend and already knowing herself is a really nice ending to her arc in this story. 

Seeing Fionna and Cake profess their love for the Ice King is really jarring on a first watch. (Lord Monochromicorn says “ice” in morse code here!) All of this being fanfiction from Ice King makes the character even more creepy and unsettling. He’s forcing a young boy to listen to his story of a girl version of himself falling in love with him. I don’t think he’s actually a pedophile (“Mortal Recoil”), I just think he’s a fucking weirdo. He put a lot of innuendos in, like Fionna and Gumball emphasizing how large his ball will be and Cake’s tail sticking out at Mo-Chro, in addition to the sexual undertones of the bedroom scene. The episode tosses aside the whole “Land of Aaa” name, an early idea, with Ice King mentioning Ooo in the context of the story. It’s corny but I do wish they stuck with Aaa instead. A lot of the fandom uses it anyway. And yet another episode that ends with Finn and Jake frozen!

This is the most experimental the show has gotten and it’s cool to see them branch out. It’s also the first time Finn only gets a cameo, although his analogue is still the lead. Putting a twist on this world gives the episode license to tell a simple story focused on classic Adventure Time tropes: Finn’s crush on Bubblegum and thwarting the Ice King. Changing the genders of characters is a popular thing for fandoms to do (rule 63), so getting an actual episode with the concept is such a terrific gift for fans. This is one of those episodes that only Adventure Time would do. It paid off, being the highest viewed episode of the first three seasons, and spawning its own massive fandom and line of merchandise. The episode’s outline was much easier and more boring than it ended up being. It called for Fionna going on a date set in a restaurant and didn’t even include Ice Queen. Adam Muto and Rebecca Sugar, who storyboarded the episode, strayed away from the outline to make something much more interesting. 

This episode being Ice King’s fanfiction is pretty ingenious. I understand the disappointment some people felt at breaking the world of a story they were invested in, but this is fixed later on anyway. It also cleverly ties into the backstory behind the episode and the themes of the series. Natasha Allegri, who was the lead character designer for the first two seasons, remaining on the series as a storyboard revisionist for season three, essentially created these characters as fanart, drawing them for fun and uploading them to 4chan. Just like the episode, her comics were a little more adult than the series. They’re hilarious and I consider most of them canon! Her comic of Fionna getting her period is a must read. Even the names of Fionna and Cake were suggested from 4chan anons! Pen liked the drawings enough to want to make it into an episode. There’s so many writers who have worked on the show with their own interpretations of Ooo and its inhabitants, and there’s even more fans with their own headcanons and personal versions of the series. Adventure Time can be whatever someone wants it to be. The series is a success because of all the different ideas brought to the table from a collaborative storyboard-driven show and because it can speak to so many different people. It’s great to have an episode celebrating that. “Fionna and Cake” was born from and is a celebration of fanfiction!

Grade: A+

[nerdyenby]

Blue time :D I’m watching Aimsey

Pregame

Oh my goodness their costume is so swag

“As you can see, I can’t” HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE THE FUNNIEST MAN ALIVE AIMSEYTV???

I’m watching in my university’s library but I burst out laughing when xe took off her glasses, my goodness they’re so silly <333

“Grandpa’s first tweet” HE NEEDS TO STOP IM DYING

“I can’t see, this is gonna be awful, I’m so excited!!” I love them so much

This is way funnier considering I know absolutely nothing about Adventure Time

Skipping to the actual event lol

Shelby <333 I’m so excited for Aimsey and Shelby interactions this event :)))

Elaina jointing the vc at the worst possible moment lmao

“I’m a little bit of a grid runner” fbm is so cool /g

Holy crap I’ve never heard Shelby say fuck before, I wasn’t prepared

Parkour Tag

I love this team’s energy

“And if we win, we can laugh at them”

I love them so much, the hype, the positivity, the humor is everything

YEAAHHHHHH aimsey and shane surviving???? Hype!!!!

Rocket Spleef

Aimsey popping off!!! Can’t believe he only learned how to elytra hop a couple hours before the event, she’s doing great!!

Sands of Time

They were all so upset, stars should’ve called them transphobic, do it

The blue key is under the hourglass Shane ;-;

He figured it out don’t worry

Aimsey’s comms are supreme, I’m so proud of xem <33

Legit, dunking the last place team is such bm

I’m so glad they’re all hyping Aimsey up, she was having such a time but this team has superb synergy <333

Sky Battle

“It is a great day to be on blue bats, we have gotten every game we don’t want” “Ohana means family” HELP??????? SHANE 😭

You’re doing amazing Aimsey, you’re incredible and handling your overload with such grace. If you somehow see this I want you to know that you should never be ashamed to stim on stream, it makes me and so many others feel normal and even watching it is so calming, we love you so much king <333

“Is anyone good at bridging?” “No!!” “Firebreath, are you good at bridging?” “NO, it’s the only thing I’m not good at” peak comedy, honestly (also we love a man who owns both his strengths and his weaknesses <3)

Aimsey killed 3 people?!!!! THATS MY STREAMER

SHANE POPPED OFF HOLY CRAP!!!!

BLUE BATS FIRST PLACE <33333

Wow I can’t believe Aimsey is exploiting best friend privileges, smh /j

The absolute property value of MCC29 Blue Bats’ sky battle round 2 <33

BLUE BATS SKYBATTLE COMEBACK!!!!

Blue bats pvp main, real and true!!

Ace Race

Something about them just talking music makes me happy :)

Aimsey’s vod is muted so I skipped to the end but she did so well!! Xey popped off!!!!!

Shane 3rd!!!

LITERALLY WHY DUNK BLUE

Can’t believe Tubbo’s sexist AND homophobic, smh

Battle Box

“Feminine rage but it’s just me yelling at MCC every ten minutes” so true aimseytv

Them shout-singing All Stars <333

“I’m killing Sniff, lesbian on lesbian crime” *kills Sniff* “LESBIAN!!!!” I love them so much

Aimsey is popping off, holy crap, he’s literally slaying

Elaina and Aimsey tag teaming H was crazy

“I’m going straight despite me loving women” Elaina my beloved!!!

Shane getting exactly 1000 coins is crazy

Grid Runners

That light the lamps was CLEAN

Aimsey running headfirst into the walk was so head empty of them /aff

Golf references???

That final room would stress me out live but it’s so clever and fun to watch

THIRD :D that room feels so long but they killed it!!

They KILLED the mob room!!

8th!!!! :D

TGTTOSAWAF

Second team!!!!!

Aimsey :((

I hate georgenotfound, I don’t even care, he sucks

FIRST FULL TEAM!!!

Them all hating on Reddit culture and then AIMSEY GOT SECOND?!!!!!!!!

THEY GOT FIRST?????? THOSE ARE MY BLUE BATS <333333!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SIXTH!!!!

What is with fbm and getting the same individual rank as the team?? This happened at least twice this event lol

Guqqie protective girlfriend mode <33

Dodgebolt

“You know Reddit, just because majority of a team is afab doesn’t mean they’re bad players, fuck you” SAY IT LOUDER!!!!!

“Of course I’m proud of Aimee. Aimee could’ve come in last and I would’ve been proud of Aimee” I could cry they’re so sweet <3333

Guqqie saying she’s babysitting us lol

“Aimee got 26th overall?! Look at him go!! Aimee is a really good MCC player and it makes me sad when people put them low” real and true <3

There is so much sexism in the MCC community, it’s absolutely disgusting and it needs to get talked about more. People treat afab players like death sentences for teams without even treating them as individuals. I’m so glad Guqqie is talking about it because so many people don’t acknowledge how horrid it is.

As they say, “it’s very cool that people take these competitions so seriously but I don’t think it’s an excuse to be cruel towards people. Take that passion and use it positively, not negatively.”

GOD Guqqie stop spitting so many facts you’re giving me too many quotes /lh

Guqqie talking about how balanced the teams are and how good of a job Scott did <33

[dustedmagazine]

Iron and Wine — Who Can See Forever Soundtrack (Sub Pop)

This double LP refracts and reimagines Iron & Wine’s best-known songs with full, nearly orchestral arrangements realized in the warmth and immediacy of live performance. It’s a superb recap of Sam Beam’s artistic arc so far, but this is much more than a retrospective. Even if you’re a long-time fan, someone who knows all the words, some of these songs will hit differently. Their austere, articulate contours take on new resonance with lavish swoops of strings.  Their familiar words and hooks and licks are jarred into new patterns by the improvisatory agility of Beam’s supporting cast.

Most of these songs were recorded in a single concert, held at Saxapahaw, North Carolina’s Haw River Ballroom. The material was intended, originally, for a concert film directed by Josh Sliffe; over time, the director expanded his project to include non-performance footage, but not because the music couldn’t carry things. It is very, very strong.

The set list includes most of Iron and Wine’s best known songs. It opens with a lengthy, incandescent version of “The Trapeze Swinger,” Beam’s murmurous voice framed by pizzicato, pointillist strings as he muses on the graffiti at the pearly gates. It’s a song that does what Beam does best, linking the natural, even the mundane to spiritual revelation, through spare, evocative lines, and it gains a lot from the full, but disciplined backing music. The swell into the chorus fairly lifts you off your feet.

The video showcases “Thomas County Law,” a cut from the fairly recent Beast Epic, a low-slung mesh of piano, syncopated, hand-struck percussion and stately country melody, whose original version can slip into the background. And yet here, it leaps out of the speaker, urgent and alive, the curve of its melody inevitable, exactly right and spiritually reassuring.

The band includes Fiona Apple and Soul Coughing bassist Sebastian Steinberg, drummer Beth Goodfellow, cellist Teddy Rankin-Parker and keyboard player Eliza Hardy-Jones. They’re all very capable players on their own terms, and they had been touring together for a while when they made this record. You can hear the freedom and intuitiveness of their interplay throughout, and once in a while, on cuts like “Last Night” and “Monkeys Uptown,” they get a chance to go right out to the edge. An extended string improv session opens “Last Night.” It resolves into a string bass and percussion cakewalk, all skeletal strut and junkyard swagger under Beam’s fluttering, lyrical voice. “Monkeys Uptown” deconstructs the funk on what sounds like a box drum, lets loose big sliding bloops of bass sound, before settling into a swamp funk groove.  

Mostly, though, these cuts take songs that you probably already know and deliver them slightly transformed by time and personnel and the live setting. They’re old friends, a little older, a little shaggier, but still magic: “Wolves (Song of the Shepherd’s Dog),” “About a Bruise” and “Dearest Forsaken.” If you ever loved them, you should hear them like this, too.

Jennifer Kelly

[godstaff]

Was there any time when you did like Batman?

Yes.

But it was before we have this caricature which I, and many others, call The Batgod, who is always right, who can best and beat anybody, friend or foe, treats all with disrespect, who knows better than anyone and is always four moves ahead in everything. He has rocketships and Batcaves on the Moon, independently of any authority. Plots against his metahuman colleagues, in case they become rogues, but he's totally unbound to do whatever he pleases, whenever he pleases, and no one can control him.

He was a superb urban vigilante, resourceful and witty and put real effort in doing his job, but knows there were things he really couldn't do, because of his human condition, and it humbled him. He knew the best thing e could do against a far superior meta opponent was stall and keep himself alive until help, in the form of one of his metahuman allies, arrives, instead of throwing a few explosive bat-a-rangs and solve the situation by himself.

The Batgod outwitted Darkseid, a being with thousands of years of experience conquering entire solar systems, menacing with blowing up the despot's arsenal (gee... Darksie didn't see that coming, did he? He leaves his most powerful weapons unatended, silly him).

He declares openly he woudn't kill, yet everybody is afraid of him because of...reasons?

"You have to understand: he looked at me menacingly!! It was terrifying!!"

He can subdue an intergalactic despot when he can't even clean his own little city of the bad element: common local crooks.

Yeah...I liked that Batso far better, but we're stuck with The Batgod for good, no matter how ridiculous and contradictory things had become. But batfan-boys like it this way...so...

[fangirlshrewt97]

D20 - Dungeons and Drag Queens Ep 2 Notes

Oh man, I am so far behind. I will try to finish the other two episodes within the next week if possible. Let’s see. 

---

I love Jujubee placing herself in the middle of the group. No one will come at her first

"But you're the oldest one here trying to die bitch" LOLOL

"But I'm not dead. [...] And since I'm not alive...Bitch!" That is Jujubee's second retraction after accidentally eating the magical seed. Love the table just falling over themselves at these antics. "What did you roll a one?  A one on steath?"

"If you roll a one, we are going to end up with a guppy.: Bob with the incredible quips once again.

"Did she lose her sense of fashion" Brennan just losing it while Monet just looks so done and disappointed.

Alaska's expression whenever she goes into character is top notch, that growling face

"Dinner is served!" "Is she going to fucking eat us...we're rotting?!" LOL

Monet jumping into the explanation before Brennan even asks her to. So excited, so cute.

Gertrude's attack was so cool.

Here we go with Brennan making all his players cry again. This man's storytelling abilities are awe-inspiring

"What the going gets tusk, the tusk gets going." All of these character taglines are so on point.

Awww this uncle is so sweet.

Lol Troyan forgeting the spell letting them take characters across the river is so perfect.

Them rushing to write down the name of the Goddess is also very nice. They are great first time DnD players!

Damn Nyruth is handsome too. The character artists for this season really went all out (But then again, they always do at D20).

Oh my god Jujubee is so chaotic, the others spend half the show just trailing behind trying to clean up their mess. Brennan must love her for it.

"I wanna get wet." Brennan stop! God why does it always make me blush when he just says stuff like that!

Jujubee is so proud of the Monet X Change pun lololol

"I can disguise myself as a flashlight" Lol, I don't know how much jujubee genuinely wants to play, and how much she just wants to cause chaos, but I love her for it.

I kind of wish we had gotten a chane to see Brennan's expression as the Queens are discussing this double crossing plan.

Unbelieve Brennan, oh my god. Just playing on the Paula Abdul bit.

I like the flash cuts to Alaska's reactions to the antics of Bob and Jujubee, where she is just mentally rolling her eyes, like what is happening right now?/are you serious?

Oh my god, "Dispel his Dispel Magic". So convoluted

Holy shit, three ones! Oh no that jack that is going to eat them.

Did Monet just try to trick Brennan the DM abut what dice to use? Lol

"D'Hamia - Snatched and Thirsty" the captions are superb

"I pour your tea in a bucket" Glad to see them all remembering Princess's size lol.

All of them playing out what's the best plan is actually so nice. Like they are really leaning into the RP this season, because for newbies, a ton of combat would be heard. And it's nice seeing the Queens trying to logic out what would be the best moves to do. Even if their dice don't always let them.

"4" "Hundred" Twyla is so chaotic, my god, she always just does the most insane choice. ...I really want her to play with Emily (RIP their poor DM)

Ooooh Troyan's mom is only saving herself...

"She sounds like an alcoholic" Brennan has been wheeze laughing so much this episode, it's delightful

Oof, brutal revelation

"It wasn't like 'Hey girl!'" Brennan's expression is so funny

D'Hamia interactions with Princess are great

"We are going to pimp out our orc friend." Bob is just killing it with the one liners.

---

Oh god this preview is so dramatic lol

---

That was a good episode! I can see the campaign will likely be very light in combat, which makes sense, the Queens are making the RP and character choices that are so entertaining and fun to watch. Excellent season so far.

[first-impressions-gaming]

Dying Light 2: Stay Human

Developed & Published by Techland

Release Date 2022

Tested on Xbox Series X

MSRP 59,99 USD

Zombies and zombie as a ‘genre’ or elevator pitch have run its course for the best part recently in gaming. Many games tried different takes on zombies, most successful one has been The Last of Us franchise with a gritty, dark, serious tone (even though ‘zombie’ word is never used, the audience pretty much know that clickers are zombies), and when you look at storytelling-focused side you have Telltale’s The Walking Dead series, which is a fantastic franchise, and you have Resident Evil franchise of course which sees remasters and remakes lately. There is a sense that a game which deals with zombies to some extent needs to take a solid approach, maybe more of dramatic or grounded approach like The Last of Us and Resident Evil or more combat and action-heavy approach like Left 4 Dead or Back 4 Blood, because there is a clear distinction between a zombie game which sends waves after waves of zombies against the player and a game which focuses of storytelling around a post-apocalyptic zombie-run environment. With all these pre-judgments of what a zombie game might look like, I dived into Dying Light 2.

Dying Light 2 walks on a thread leaning towards a combat-action zombie game, I understand this since melee fighthing with zombie and NPCs are smooth and fun, furthermore, the atmosphere is superb when it is nighttime. When you need to travel to a location during nights, you will come across streets crawling with different types of zombies, if you make noise or be detected by them, more and more zombies will come and they will force you to flee by using parkour mechanics. Parkour system and verticality of the game really shine and stand out from rest of zombie games and games in general. If the flow of parkouring wasn’t flawless, the player wouldn’t give it a chance or bother to ‘try’ to like the game at all, parkour system is one of the selling points of Dying Light 2 and it is in awesome harmony with the combat, you fight your way in streets, you got on a car, jump to balcony on a building, climb to roof, put some distance between you and zombies, hide in some bushes so zombies won’t be able to track you down further. 

As a disclaimer: I don’t consider this is full ‘review’, this’s more like first impressions review. Even though I put in 10 hours into the game, I am still at initial stages of it, with only a few skills unlocked with yet-to-discover locations.

What is Dying Light 2 about? I skipped Dying Light 1 therefore I cannot confirm whether this games takes where the first game left, the main character, Aiden, is in pursuit of his long-lost sister and he is determined enough in his mission to travel at least 2000 kilometres across the country. The game introduces us to the world in a prologue, where you explore an abandoned villa in a forest with your close friend who says he has gotten a tip concerning your sister, she might be alive in Villedor and you should take your chances and go there at once. The next moment we find ourselves in Villedor, and I am like ‘wait a second, so Aiden traveller two thousand kilometres where the world is riddled with zombies and a plague that spreads across the world and we, somehow, manage to get to this town just because our friend heard some rumours from 2000 kilometres in distance’, honestly this is not most believable opening, I get that, what I mean is this: Aiden does not talk about his journey at all, he must have encountered strange situations and hardships, it sounds impossible to travel on foot all this distance, yet he acts like it is not a big deal. Building a strong main character is crucial and it is vital for your audience to establish a close relationship with him/her if you really want to draw a 3D character with deep down personality and psychology. Aiden, most of the time, sounds like a B-movie main character with wanna-be heroic traits. Why does not he put his heart out considering that he must have gone to hell just to arrive in this town for a glimpse of hope for his sister? Personally, I expected Aiden to be more adult-like and tough to convince me that he is this determined main character who will stop at nothing. 

Let’s get to gameplay, and then I’ll circle back to story of the game. Firstly, this game is almost 2-years old but there is still technical issues here and there that affect the gameplay and experience overall. There is this recurring issue, there’re many moments where the game switches from in-game to pre-rendered cinematics and this causes inconsistent lighting, environmental detail and character models, this is a core factor that breaks immersion, I would prefer in-game scenes rather than transition to cinematic cutscenes. Take a look here, when you interact with the character you immediately notice cinematic has a heavier blue UV-ligh and it is much darker than in-game just a second ago. When you experience this over and over again, it really bothers you especially in dark locations where my flashlight is lit, but it turns off instantly when the cinematic starts. 

Check this clip in early-game:

When an open-world game lets me be a jerk in a certain moment I just love it and I go for it. There is this campfire with people around it, and there is a newly-joined group member who will be introducing herself to the group, and I let my guard down and said ‘okay, I’ll go for it for real’. Killing an NPC or wrecking havoc on them aren’t the main thing here, it is more like ‘what could happen or what would their reaction be?’ As soon as I attacked them and killed a couple of them, other NPCs started attacking me, their shouting and yelling drew the attention of zombies around, and they climbed to where we were and attacked NPCs and I got out of there quickly. This is what I expect from an open-world mainly, an alive environment that responds to you and other beings. These instances are unique to the player because not another player might experience what I did at this exact moment, you have to be there and you have to choose to attack them, another player would stop by, listen to what she was going to say, and maybe interact with her or other NPCs around campfire, and they would be alive. 

The scene I am talking about:

You will ask “so what does Aiden do now that he is in the town?”. Let me wrap the tape to the beginning, it is unfortunate missions we are tasked to complete are not connected to each other that much, it feels you are simply fulfilling other dwellers’ requests without any relation to your ultimate goal here, which is to find your sister. Even when we come across people who knows or might have heard of our sister, they don’t talk openly and we are tasked with yet another mission, and spend our time that day to carry out requests of commoners instead of putting out effort into finding her. I’d like to draw a contrast at this point, imagine you are Joel in The Last of Us, would you be okay to complete cheesy fetch quests for some people that you met a couple of moments ago that you don’t know anything about them instead of rescuing Ellie? What I am getting at is that, Aiden isn’t that human-like (even though the sub-title of the game is Stay Human, pun intended, sorry), why is he okay being sent to basements full of zombies to grab some spare parts for some tech device when his sister is could be in his reach or even dying somewhere, his goal was to reach this town to find his sister but the moment he steps into Villader it is as if he forgets why he is there at first place. It feels like the game got developed and created, then the story was written around already-developed town. If Aiden lived in this town initially, heard about his sister later in the game and goes after her to find her no matter what, it would make a sense at least. Sadly, Aiden is such a 2D main character, you cannot connect with him, I played ‘as’ him for 10 hours and I still don’t know his story, and I haven’t had chance to get to know him all this time, I haven’t grown to like him. On one hand I felt as if I had this connection with the main character in Disco Elysium in the first minute, on the other hand I spent 10 hours playing as Aiden and am still neutral to him.

Now talk about game mechanics and menus the game offers.

In Map menu, the world map welcomes you which looks like a typical Ubisoft-like open-world map with icons all around the map for different areas, quest types, interest points, safe zones, and more hardcore loot zones for high rish-high reward missions. At first glance, the map may seem gigantic, as I explored the town, it felt more enclosed and tight-knit,  for example an area (districts) is made of four to five streets and there is no fast-travel until mid-game therefore you are on foot travelling to everywhere, but it does not bore you, it is not a massive world like AC:Valhalla. 

In Inventory, you see your main weapons, accessories, consumables, gear, all the usual stuff. You can equip 4 melee weapons simultaneously and can switch them during combat easily, you can mod your weapons for different situations and enemy types, eliminating the need to go into the menu just to switch to another weapon.

In Crafting, you will option to craft medicine, throwing knives, lockpicks etc. When you hover over these times, the game shows what parts you need, also when you hover over craft parts, it shows what they are used for and where they are commonly found. This is a nice touch that may seem a small detail to you but most of open-world games employing crafting skip explaining crafting material or resources and when you need certain parts you just wander around or explore locations to find them randomly, or you google it and find a game guide that explains and teaches everything about craft resources and where they can be found. If a player need to google such a basic info, that means you’ve failed to implement and convey essential info to the player. That is where Dying Light 2 succeeds, it is always welcome when a game explains and shows where they are commonplace regarding resources, straight to the point. 

In Skills, you have two skill trees, Combat and Parkour. Each tree has its own level and XP progression, you earn combat points by fighting and killing enemies, and earn parkour points performing parkour actions. At the end of my 10-hr playtime, I’m ashamed to say I have only unlocked two combat skills and one parkour skill, and there are at least thirty skills to be unlocked combined. It is not that I haven’t played it enough, 10-hour in an open-world seems enough time to earn solid skills to get rolling, at this rate I would need to put 30 hour more hours to unlock half of them at best. As a player, I don’t feel I am progressing skill-wise enough to keep me hooked into the game to be interested in newly-unlocked skills and as such. The game fails at introducing new skills at a regular intervals, for example some games throw at five or ten skills or abilities at one time to player, and the player does not know what to do with them, s/he needs to learn and master them at a balanced rate. Dying Light 2 does the opposite, 10-hour playtime deserves more than three beginner skills. In addition to Health and Stamina, you have Immunity, which is the total amount of time you can remain in dark unless you consume UV mushrooms or replenish Immunity in locations with UV Light beacons (at night) or stay under the sun (during days). Immunity is even more crucial than Health when you are going in a mission in closed spaces, you have to make sure you are carrying enough mushrooms to keep you going otherwise your Immunity will deplete totally and die. Frankly, I find Immunity is a bit punishing even though I set the difficulty for Easy. To put into perspective, my character’s Immunity duration is around 5 minutes, in order to stay alive more than this period, I need to consume UV mushrooms, and when you are in mission you spend at least ten minutes or so, you are not only exploring locations, you are also spending time fighting and killing zombies, there are moments where I was in a narrow parking lot I was overwhelmed by a wave of zombies, I had to fight my way through them and find locked crates and open them with lockpicks, when you add all these on top of one another, you are going to spend at least 10 minutes and you just make sure you have enough mushrooms, otherwise the mission will be a failure. 

A player being introduced to the world s/he is getting to know should be handled delicately, the first thing to convey to the player is why s/he is here, how s/he is related to this world, and you can build this via NPCs, companions, the environment itself, on-going experience and story. If the player does not connect with the world sentimentally, then collectibles and codex entries won’t matter one bit. So far I have collected 8 written mementoes, including personal letters and logs of group controlling the part of the town we reside in, and 4 tape recordings of ordinary citizens. You come across these items spontaneously and generally there is no actual reaction of Aiden to these findings. If the main character does not digest these material, then they don’t hold any value or weight to the player.

Dying Light 2 seems to have gathered mechanics of an open-world RPG, blend them together and baked it with ‘zombie’ flavour. If you ignore or set aside what it lacks, then the game offers somewhat pleasant experience. I can see myself putting another 5 hours and call it a day, just to see and give the story a second chance whether it will take me somewhere captivating along the way. 

[lasriohq]

Full Name: Kyler Southerland

Face Claim: Tyler Hoechlin

Pronouns/Gender: He/Him / Cis-Male

Birthday: September 11th, 1987

Birth place: Santa Fe, New Mexico

How long have they been in town?: Six Months

Occupation: Contractor for Puttnam Brother’s Construction

Family: Foster Child - Grayson Hughes (16), Daughter - Jade Montgomery (16) [Unknown]

Biography:

To say that trouble followed Kyler Southerland was a bit of an understatement. Born on September the 11th to Kyle and Kasey Southerland, the boy was destined for a life full of chaos from day one. Born nearly three weeks late, Ky proved to everyone that things would happen on his own time, and not on anyone else’s. Which was something he continued to show much into his childhood. His father - a mechanic with a job that was very hands on - taught him resilience, perseverance, something that would follow Ky all throughout his youth, while his mother - a drug dealer who spent more time on the street than at home with her family - taught Kyler what he wanted the most out of his own family.

While his home life was less than superb - he grew up eating frozen dinners or pizza most nights through the week - he made decent grades in school. An average A/B student from Kindergarten through eighth grade, completing his homework every night before bed, even going as far as to go the extra mile and do extra credit work when offered, he was all about school all the time, doing anything he could to make himself look more ‘average’ to the outsiders looking in on his life. Because despite how much Kyler wanted to have a ‘normal life’ often times he found himself getting lost in the perfection of it while losing sight of what made him happy.

High school was when things really started to change for Kyler and his mom’s profession really began to provide issues for him. His ‘friends’ that he’d made throughout the years all faded away, leaving him with a rougher crowd as he began to really explore the life his mother mapped out for him. Something as simple as selling drugs in the streets was easy for him. What once was a ‘good boy’ by definition turned cold and hateful, his heart hardened by the life he chose to take on, despite how much his father begged him not too. But Ky didn’t care; if it meant living a life easier for himself - doing anything he could to be with the ‘in crowd’ he’d do it. Because in all honesty, it was almost too scary to see the outcome if he gave up now. That was until Kyler met Juliet Montgomery, and his entire world changed.

Juliet and Kyler were practically attached at the hip from the day that they met; the two were quite the pair and it wasn’t too often you saw one without the other. Truly friends that saw the best in each other, and when Kyler lost his dad just two months after their sophomore year started, his whole world shattered, but Juliet was there to pick up the pieces. Mending his broken heart - though while he wanted it to be enough, he was struggling, letting the pressure of his life crumble around him. His grades began dropping, his mother - who was even more distant without the glue of their family holding them together -a walking time bomb as Kyler was sure by her actions she would explode at any moment. So while on the inside he was exploding, on the outside he was fighting his own demons, letting the light - his Juliet - keep him alive and well. Things between them became more serious and at the age of eighteen, Kyler promised her under the stars of the same night sky where they shared many firsts, that she would be his forever; a promise he always intended to keep. Word of the young couple’s blossoming love for each other spread across town and with Juliet barely having two weeks before she herself turned of age - giving the young couple freedom to do as they pleased - she disappeared, only a word from her aunt that she didn’t want him anymore and Kyler couldn’t handle it. His entire world and everything good in it was gone, and he spiraled. Drugs and alcohol were no match for him; at this point he’d become a pro at it despite his father’s wishes Kyler couldn’t control himself. Days turned into months and within a year’s time, the man didn’t even know who he was anymore. Nothing mattered to him, and all he wanted was to numb the pain. An outlet to forget about his entire world. This lasted for years; drugs, alcohol, meaningless sex, nothing that truly made him happy. He worked odd jobs, doing anything to get the money in when his drug run for the day wouldn’t suffice, but it wasn’t Kyler’s 23rd birthday that things would start to turn around for him. He met Michael Montgomery - not only the father of his now ex girlfriend - but also the man that would give him a chance at getting his life back. Kyler joined the Navy, sharing stories of his life, growing, learning and most importantly becoming himself again. Twelve years after he enlisted, Kyler is now in New Mexico, a place he fell in love with while at sea. While he didn’t find a career in The Navy that was too promising, he gained skills to give him the opportunity to do what he does now. He served ten years, and currently resides in Little Colima where he’s fostering a child of one of his fallen brothers from the Navy.

Connections:

Current Girlfriend - Someone that Kyler has been sleeping with/dating for a few months now. This connection will need to be gone over before anyone takes this connection as there are some details I’d like to discuss. 

Kyler’s Mom - This is pretty self-explanatory, but this connection also needs to be discussed before someone takes it.

[yegarts]

“I Am YEG Arts” Series: Derina Harvey

Gather around you that which you need to produce what you want. Oh, and while you’re at it, get to work! To Derina Harvey, there’s not much more to it than that. Except, of course, making music—something she and the Derina Harvey Band can’t do without. If you’ve never caught a live show, just imagine a “rockier” version of Great Big Sea, if fronted by Adele. Intrigued? It’s hard not to be. Harvey’s masterful storytelling and soaring vocals are nothing short of a call to action. An invitation to laugh more, celebrate more, and feel alive. This week’s “I Am YEG Arts” story belongs to Derina Harvey.

Tell us about your connection to Edmonton and how it has influenced your path.

Well, I grew up playing country and folk music, and Celtic classics, with my musical family in Wabush, Labrador. Then, when it was time for college, I followed my mother’s and sister's footsteps and went into post-secondary for the arts. In 2000, after graduating with a diploma in Music Industry and Performance from the College of the North Atlantic, I promptly headed west to follow the friends I made during the program who were moving to Alberta to pursue careers in the music scene. I may have had other ulterior motives for moving west too, as my best-friend-and-now-husband (and bandmate), Steve Pinsent, was one of these migrating classmates.

I arrived in Edmonton in 2002 and found work as a sound engineer for an Edmonton-based hotel-events team and with Sinclair, the band my college friends had formed. Touring around Alberta with Sinclair, I’d occasionally join them onstage playing and singing covers and originals, which was so much fun! We started attending Alberta Music seminars and began networking and soaking up industry information.

In 2004, Steve and I welcomed our first (of three) wee Albertan babies. As my maternity cheques were running out in the early weeks of January 2005, Steve looked in an actual paper copy of the Edmonton Yellow Pages and got me an audition at the East-Coast-themed Atlantic Trap and Gill. Manager Tanya Thorne gave me my first opportunity as a solo performer on weekdays, and I played both popular tunes and the traditional songs I grew up with. This helped keep a roof over our heads as I looked for more work. Eventually, I was asked by The Trap’s manager to put a band together for the weekend spots, and the Derina Harvey Band (dHb) was formed.

When two members of dHb moved back east, Scott Greene stepped in on electric guitar and harmony vocals. Scott’s long-time friend and bass player, Edward Smith, also joined us! Instantly, our audience begged for an album. We are completely independent, so it took some time to put together but, dHb released our first album in 2013 and then another in 2016…. By 2017 we had played with a few fiddle players: Matt O’Connor was in the mix, Alex Kusturok was with us in Tacoma adding his superb Métis and folk style to our sound. The uber talented Jessica Blenis also joins us on stage and lends her soaring harmonies and fiery fiddles on all our recordings since 2017.

We had all grown up on Celtic music but had focused on our other musical educations and collaborative projects until dHb was formed. The authenticity of returning to our roots, the dedication to musicality, and the blend of genres lent us a fresh take on traditional favourites, while maintaining the integrity of the covers. In songwriting, our original material has flavours of country, blues, rock, and pop—but wrapped in a woolly and woven East Coast Celtic tartan blanket! So, I suppose you could say that I walked off the plane in YEG with intentions to find my musical path, and Alberta’s audiences from Fort McMurray to Medicine Hat—and, of course, Edmonton—kept me on a road of authenticity.

How did you get your start as a singer/songwriter? Did one come more naturally than the other?

I was born into a musical family of four—five if you count the dog who played piano from time to time. Being on stage at five-years-old and being raised in a household where music and visual art were created and discussed daily, gave me an appreciation for the process. My parents, Ron and Sheilagh, wrote and released honest, observational-type songs and always had instruments all over the house that we were encouraged to play. My sister Kyna and I would also help them write and lend a hand in editing lyrics or arranging instruments and harmonies. Watching my father rehearse and perform with Labrador Black Spruce also gave me insights into industry do’s and don'ts.

When I was twelve, I visited my sister at the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology and realized that creating music could be a real job! I was hooked! I wrote little songs and performed them with my friends and bandmates in high school. By the time I was in college, I’d received my first SOCAN cheque (while I was still in my teens) for a recording of a song I’d written for a college songwriting course! I was so grateful—and perhaps in shock.

What narratives are you drawn to as a storyteller?

With dHb, the songwriting feels like it's always maturing, yet still feels new, because the processes, plots, and prose often change. Sometimes songs are based on real-life situations, like the retelling of the resettlement process in the title track off our second CD, Rove and Go (2016), about a house that moves to a new home and the strength of the people who moved it. It came about as Steve played a progression on an acoustic guitar one evening and asked me, “what would you sing over this?” I came up with the chorus pretty quick, but the story came much later.

“The Fallen Man's Daughter” (2018) was the result of a collaboration with Ed Smith writing a tribute to his uncle and the men lost at sea when a fishing vessel went down off the coast of Newfoundland in 1994. A story sadly all too familiar is the loss of family, those who take care of us, and the legacy of love they leave behind. We worked with Alberta’s own Barrett Kelsko and created a music video for this song that was shot in both Newfoundland and Alberta.

Some of the songs we’re working on now for the new album range from fun, in-the-moment-driven party tunes, like “Up All Night” (already released), to deeper, inward, raw reflections, like another single we released, titled “Grow,” which reminds us to remember our strength when navigating obstacles in our path. Writing sometimes flows out in an unstoppable torrent, and “Grow” was like that—lyrics first, then progressions and accompaniment many months after—a true exercise in refinement over months and years. When it comes to narrative, I’d say the most important part for me is to have a story and a musical landscape that matches—to tell a story through song that I believe and can deliver with my entire heart.

What is a Derina Harvey Band live show like? How do you hope to make people feel?

I want to invite you to relax in a friendly environment, and tap your toe, and sing along. No matter where we are, in Malibu or Marystown, in Cold Lake or Canmore, I want you to walk away after the show still humming a lilting, lifting tune. Depending on the venue, you may get a barrage of high-energy tunes or a night of dancing, perfect for twirling in tall festival grasses! Or perhaps, in a theatre setting, you could expect a few more moving ballads and stories—in this seated setting, I want to make you laugh, maybe make you cry, and then make you laugh again before sending you home. Music can call us to action. It can help us celebrate or grieve, it brings us together, and all of that is what I want to offer at a dHb show!

Where have you seen your music show up that’s surprised you?

Somehow, somewhere in the world, one of our songs ended up as a sound used on TikTok, and as a result, this Edmonton-based band has listeners all over the planet! As tracked in 2022, about a million streams a month for dHb songs stems from our version of Tom Lewis’ classic, “The Last Shanty.” Our choice to put this song on our second album was made based on performing at Edmonton’s events and the crowds’ reactions to our set list! Our gratitude is unending.

Tell us about someone whose support and advice have guided your career.

So many wonderful pieces of advice over the years have been bestowed, and I try to remember them as often as possible. Encouragement from friends and family are, no doubt, on the list. My mother (Sheilagh Harvey) often quotes Dr. Wayne Dyer’s, “Gather around you that which you need to produce what you want,” and I find myself using this as a mantra.

When I attended a seminar with Kevin Blackmore of the legendary touring music-and-comedy act Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers, I asked what should be avoided in the industry. He responded, “negativity.”

Wade Pinhorn was my professor in college, and he would often remind the class to “leave the ego at the door—if you weren’t great you wouldn’t be here,” followed by, “Now get to work.” Also, about being true to yourself and not giving in to fits of extravagance or greed he said, “We don’t need much, do we?” All of these are grounding, and they bring me back to a purpose and ring with truth.

What’s the first song you ever remember wishing you’d written?

I’m not sure that I have ever wished I had written someone else’s song. I’m always happy that someone wrote a song that slaps or touches my heart. If a writer delivers a story that aligns with mine or makes me cry—which is the litmus test for me feeling a song—I just enjoy their work and am inspired by their brilliance!

How important has collaboration been throughout your career?

I often have to pour over my choices for a while before making decisions. I think there are benefits to collaborating that range from encouragement and to refinement, to maybe helping me get out of my own way… past a block.

I love seeing how an idea blooms… although I’d be lying if I told you that I didn’t experience some anxiety about bearing a deep personal message or a foolish idea to a group or individual for the first time. It helps to understand that an idea, perhaps a crappy idea, when reviewed or shared can lead to a less crappy idea and, perhaps, to something you feel is near the right fit or owns some level of brilliance—I'm sure I read something like that in a Write Better Lyrics handbook.

We work, write and record together, and all dHb albums and singles have been self-produced by dHb and engineered and mixed by Scott Greene (a dHb member). But having outside help does give us inspiration. The late Mike Wells mastered all our recordings, and his input was invaluable. He will be missed for his many talents, and we are better for his gifts to us. Having another set of ears and eyes on your work and then evaluating their considerations can help breathe much needed fresh air into a project—and lend opportunities for depth.

Is there a particular piece of feedback you lean on when days are tough?

We don’t always know the impact of our work; however, with social media we’ve received such kind messages and moving stories from our friends through music. Recently after a show in Washington, we met a young person who shared that she’d been in a very low, very dark place emotionally for a while. She said that about a year prior to that very day, a music platform randomly added one of our songs to her playlist, and she liked what she’d heard! She told us she then found everything we’d released, and that the more she listened, the better she felt—that it made a difference that changed—and maybe helped save—her life. I’m paraphrasing it all, but this kind of message is one that hits me, and I have tears in my eyes now thinking about her and the other folks who have shared similar messages with us. It makes me feel tiny but very connected in a significant and beautiful way to have had some impact on a person’s experience of joy. It’s indescribable. It pushes us forward on days when I forget myself and start to tumble or spiral in my own issues. I keep that moment close to my heart.

What are you currently working on or hoping to explore next?

Currently we are writing to finish our third album, which will include the singles that have already been released. We have hopes for a concept album to follow.

What excites you most about the YEG art scene right now?

The awakening and reopening of venues with lots of music and dancing! The mix of established and new artists sharing stages of all sizes! Summer patios filled with song, festivals wafting music through the river valley, and the upcoming theatre season bursting with local acts and touring groups from all over the world, inspiring the next generation of performers within its audience! Sharing unifying experiences and making new memories together, in person, from backstage to the back row! The front of house, sound crews, and support staff all getting back to doing what they love best! The show that must go on! What could be better?

Want more YEG Arts Stories? We’ll be sharing them here all year and on social media using the hashtag #IamYegArts. Follow along! 

Click here to learn more about Derina Harvey, the Derina Harvey Band, and where to find their music, shows, and more. 

About Derina Harvey

Derina Harvey leads the award-winning Celtic Rock sensation, the Derina Harvey Band (dHb). With a show that offers a fresh take on traditional folk songs, as well as a few originals, Derina’s vibrant personality takes centre stage with humour, storytelling and, of course, her world-class vocals. dHb has been likened to a “rockier” version of Canada’s Great Big Sea, if fronted by Adele, and has earned a reputation as a high-energy live show that leaves many an audience out of breath and hollering from their seats! dHb concerts can be adapted to suit any venue, whether it’s a captivating night of telling stories through song in a Performing Arts Centre or a dinner and dance in a community hall. The band has been across Canada via the performing arts and festival circuits and is now poised to take the US by storm, having been very well-received at three juried US showcases. The band has begun to make inroads in the US and had finished a tour of the south-eastern states just prior to the pandemic. The group has spent the last year writing some new music (releasing the single “Grow” in 2021) and enjoying a huge wave of new online followers from across the globe, via TikTok. dHb’s recording of Tom Lewis’s “The Last Shanty” was used in thousands of videos on the platform, introducing the band to a whole new generation of listeners and causing their streaming numbers to skyrocket to almost 25 million total streams—and adding over a million more every month!

[athletickat]

Top Reads 2020 Fanfiction

I started reading Harry Potter fanfiction this year (thanks to Tik Tok) and these stories I’ve read keep me up at night because I cannot stop thinking about them. 

#1- Manacled by @senlinyu

This is story is a MASTERPIECE. I cannot express how many times I’ve read and thought about this story. The way Hermione loves Draco and Draco loves Hermione is unbeatable. Hermione is a literal boss bitch in this story and my favorite Hermione in everything I’ve read. The build up, the tension, the CHEMISTRY; it is the best thing I have ever read. I could write a whole damn brook report on this story and be proud of it. This story is just... ugh *ultimate chefs kiss*.

#2- Rights and Wrongs series by @lovesbitca8 

The Right Thing To Do, All the Wrong Things, and The Auction are my absolute favorite pieces of writing ever. Draco Malfoy in this series is my horny king, and the best Draco in everything I’ve read. The Auction has a special place in my heart because of hard Hermione works to stay alive and keep the Malfoys alive, as well. All the characters in each story are so well written, especially the Malfoys, and I cannot express how in love I am with each little plot detail and connection between the stories.   

#3- Remain Nameless by @heyjude19-writing

I recently read this story and I cannot get enough of it. This is first fic I’ve read with a wedding scene (two scenes!!) and I cannot put it in words of how perfect it is. This story is all about the love Draco and Hermione have for each other, and it has set such unrealistic expectations for me...ugh. Every chapter had me smiling like an idiot and I could not put it down. 

#4- Cruel and Beautiful World by Lena Phoria 

I am so happy that Lena Phoria turned this fanfiction into a book, but nothing beats the original characters in this story. The way I fell in love with all the characters (except Voldemort, gross) is immaculate. This story deals with a lot of trauma and heavy topics, but the plot and the characters are just too good. Draco is a sweetheart and absolutely whipped for Hermione, but they need each other. I have never laughed so hard while reading a dark AU fic, and this story made my abs hurt. Definitely one to read.

#5- All You Want by @senlinyu

Holy shit. This story has the best smut I have ever read. The way senlinyu describes what's happening to Alpha Draco and Omega Hermione during sex makes me laugh out loud. It is so so good and so so sexy. It is such a fun story to read, and that’s why I love it so much. 

#6- Breath mints / Battle Scars by @onyx-and-elm

This story is the definition of toxicity, but honestly, it’s still so good. Both Hermione and Draco are changed after the war, and they fall in love by rage, sex, and protection of one another. Hermione does not give a single damn about what people may say about her, and Draco just wants her to be happy (although it does take a while for him to see what that really means). Plot and characters are amazing, and the ending is *chefs kiss*.

#7- Isolation by Bex-chan 

The first Dramione fanfiction I’ve ever read, and it has a very special place in my heart. I didn’t think I would like reading Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger fanfiction, but this story changed my mind and led to my spiral of reading such amazing stories. Such an amazing read, and I love seeing Draco grow into a man that Hermione deserves and loves. This story is iconic.

#8- Hunted by Bex-chan

Another superb story by Bex-chan. A Romance/Mystery story after the war and Draco and Hermione fall in love... hard. They are great together and the plot is amazing. This story is another iconic one for me.

#9- Love and Other Misfortunes by @senlinyu

Another great piece of work from the Queen herself, senlinyu. Draco is so stubborn it hurts, but it’s okay because Hermione is there to save the day (duh). Love these two and the romance between them in this story. Also, Veela Draco with wings and fangs is too much for me. Not that it’s important or anything, but the smut level is through the roof. Love it.

#10- Bring Him to His Knees by @willhavetheirtrinkets

Auror Draco and Auror Harry are an iconic duo. I love how intricate Draco is in this story, and how his past still very much affects his present, but Hermione helps him a lot, and it shows just how much they care for each other. Hermione and Draco dance around each other until they realize *wait* they have feelings for each other! It is not complete yet, but I do check every week or so for updates because it has a good murder mystery plot and a fabulous Dramione. 

#11- The Risk-Reward Ratio by MissiAmphetamine

War fic, and honestly one of my favorite ones. Draco sucks up his pride and goes to the Order for help, and Hermione is the only one who truly excepts him. Draco is a stubborn bastard in this story, but he makes up for it. The scenes are so real, and neither character is perfect, but you’ll see how far they are willing to go for each other. 

#12- The Just World Fallacy by MissiAmphetamine

Sequel to The Risk-Reward Ratio, and this one is tough. Still so good, but deals with torture, PTSD, rape, and more heavy topics. The love that still stands between Draco and Hermione even after all that they have been through together is beautiful. I love this story, and I love seeing how each character grows into their own person while during a war.

#13- Broken by @inadaze22

I have never cried so much while reading a story. This story made ME feel broken because Hermione is quite literally shattered, but so is Draco. It’s a story that makes you feel so many things at once and it is beautiful. Super slow-burn, but in the end, Hermione and Draco are meant to be together. 

#14- This World or Any Other series by @olivieblake

Clean and Marked are incredible stories with a rollercoaster twist. I love each character in this series, and the love that Hermione has for Draco, and vice versa, is the most powerful thing in this universe. The relationship starts with a potion assignment and just extends through there. I love their characters so much alongside the secondary characters and it makes the story so interesting. 6th year Hogwarts and continues with the war, but Draco and Hermione are always there for each other no matter what. 

#15- The Eagles Nest by HeartOfApsen

Ravenclaw Draco and Hermione, 8th year, and Alchemy. This story is so complex, and I couldn’t stop reading it. I love both Draco and Hermione and how they work to settle a problem together. Also seeing all the secret rooms in Hogwarts was another compelling aspect of the story that I loved. They know they need each other, and them being nerds and all, school is what brings them together in the end.

#16- Almost Perfect, Almost Yours by BelleOfSummer

I could not put down this story. No matter how much it angered me, and no matter how much I wanted to throw my laptop at the wall, I couldn’t stop reading. The plot is so interesting where Hermione is raised by a Pureblood family, but she was adopted from muggles, so she is Muggleborn. All the while her and Draco fall in love through their teen years and go through a war together. Hermione is a bad bitch and Draco is whipped (maybe not in a good way). They experience so much together, and in the end, you learn to love them for who they are.

#17- The Green Girl by @colubrina

Hermione is sorted into Slytherin and makes all new friends that do not include Harry Potter or Ronald Weasley. I freaking love this story because Hermione is a literal Queen, and the story itself is so well written. I don’t usually read T-rated works, but I could not put this one down because it has such an interesting plot.

#18- Erised Effect by @adaprix

Smut, smut, and more smut with such a cute plot. I love little Hermione as a bad bitch and big dick Draco as a little softy. I was hooked from the first chapter and it was so crazy. The sex scenes in this are just... *fans self*. This story is a rollercoaster of smut, but Draco and Hermione are my all time favs in this.

#19- Every Day, a Little Death by @lovesbitca8

Draco tries everything to satisfy Hermione, and when I say everything, I mean everything. Such a cute story with such a cute relationship. Hermione doesn’t mean to fall in love, but alas, Draco is a sex God and it was inevitable. I love this story!

#20- Crimson with a Silver Lining by Lady Cailan

A dark AU where Draco is mesmerized by Hermione and her will to stay alive. Their love is so strong, but alas, Draco is a stubborn bastard. This story is an emotional rollercoaster and another story where I could not put it down. Also *spoiler* some family drama going on throughout the story. 

#21- Bond by MrBenzedrine89

*fans self* again because this story is incredible. Love the smut, love the club, love the love between Draco and Hermione. Super interesting details in this story with Draco, Hermione, and the infamous Bond club. Loved reading this story.

I fell down a rabbit whole of Dramione stories this year, and it made me ignore everything I had to in my life just to read them. I can’t wait to see more stories this year and procrastinate my life by reading these stories!

[bruhstories]

Vogel und Jäger

- PART TWO

Summary: After waking up, you realise the realities of the world you've been pulled into. Pairing: Zeke Jaeger x Fem!Reader (mafia AU) Warnings & Content: stabbing, language, angst Word Count: 1.7 k

A/N: make sure to read part one, otherwise this won't make any sense xD there's still a bit of build up going on, but starting with part three we'll be getting some action

You woke up from a restless sleep, crumbs of mascara stuck to your face. God, you needed a shower and a toilet immediately. The club was dead empty from the view upstairs, only a few people cleaning the tables and moping the floor. You stretched your arms and walked to the door, surprised it wasn't locked.

"Ah, miss Y/L/N, good morning! I hope you had a pleasant sleep." Someone startled you and you cleared your voice.

"Hi, who are you?"

"Oh, my apologies, I am Onyankopon." The man smiled and handed you a paper bag. You peekee inside and saw something which resembled clothes and toiletries. You recognised the stag pin in his chest, another of Zeke's employees. "I assume you'd like to clean yourself up. Please follow me."

"I'd love that, thank you." You smiled and followed Onyankopon downstairs. He told you bits and pieces of the Jaeger family overthrowing the police and gaining control of Paradis City, how the Marleyans wanted control over the city's resources and docks, all kinds of information you weren't entirely sure you were supposed to know. He walked you to the backstage, where all the strippersdancers got ready, encouraging you to use whatever you needed for you'd be the star of the club. That didn't help you in any way, instead it was anxiety-inducing, and your toes curled at his affirmation. You quickly took off last night's makeup, brushed your teeth, washed your face and body in a sink and got dressed. The clothes were simple, a long, light blue shirt — clearly a man's — and a pair of leggings. You wondered whom they belonged to, perhaps that grim-looking lady, Yelena. She terrified you with her look that could kill. Your hands hovered over the vanity in the dressing room but decided not to waste any more time and folded your old clothes, placing them in the paper bag.

"I'm ready." You walked out of the room and met with Onyankopon. He smiled and guided you out through the back door. "Hey, Onyankopon, who's Mikasa?"

"Oh, miss Mikasa is our best assassin. She's loyal only to Eren, though, which is an impediment for Zeke... I probably shouldn't have said that." He opened the door of a superb black car and you climbed inside with a sigh. You heard how the mafia was based on trust, and no one trusted you.

Most of the ride was silent, your eyes wandering out the window until Onyankopon parked in front of a huge and heavily guarded mansion. You knew the Jaegers were rich, but this was beyond obscene. You opened the door and Onyankopon scolded you for doing that, but you assured him you were perfectly capable of doing things by yourself. He walked you through the beautiful front garden of the mansion, through the large hallway and into what you assumed to be a living room. Or an office? Whatever that was, it was as big as the dining room of the orphanage.

"Ah, the little bird has arrived! You look splendid in my shirt." Zeke welcomed you and you felt your cheeks warm up at his words. The heat disappeared just as quickly when your eyes met with Yelena's. "Come, sit. I suppose you're hungry."

You nodded, feeling saliva building up in your mouth at the sight of croissants, bagels and all kinds of foods you've never had before. Historia was rich, but even her money wasn't enough to feed so many mouths. Doors swung open and you saw Eren barge in, followed by a few people close behind. He plopped on a couch opposite you, the same inexpensive look on his face.

"Let's get over with this. I've got shit to do."

"Impatient as always." Zeke rolled his eyes. "Y/N, do you swear to obey and serve the Jaeger family?" The question caught you off guard, but you nodded.

"I do."

"There, done." The older Jaeger brother shrugged and Eren clicked his tongue.

"You almost didn't let Mikasa walk out of this room alive because she swore loyalty to me and this is all you do to her? You're getting soft, brother."

The air in the room grew thick, almost impossible to breathe it in. All eyes were on you, and you didn't know if what you felt was shame or fear, or both.

"Very well." Zeke walked behind you and took your left hand, placing it on the coffee table in front of the couch. "Hold that there, will you, love?" He smiled and you slightly relaxed. Until — a sharp pain, followed by electricity and heat shot from your hand, through your arm. A blood-curling scream erupted from your throat, tears falling from the corners of your eyes as you squirmed and thrashed at burning sensation, your hanned pinned to the table with a knife. Blood seeped from the wound and you panicked, no one in that room rushing to your aid. No one blinked, no one felt sorry. "Swear your loyalty to me. To the Jaeger family."

"I swear! Oh, God, I s-swear! Please!" You begged, feeling your temperature falling from your cheeks. Zeke twisted the knife and you fell from the couch, knees hitting the wooden floor.

"Who do you belong to?" He asked, unphased by your whimpers, sobs and yelling, as he let go of the knife that still pierced your flesh.

"T-to you! Make it stop, p-please!"

"Good enough for me. Any objections?" Zeke eyed his little brother.

"Just stitch her hand. She's annoying." Eren clicked his tongue and poured himself a cup of coffee. When Onyankopon pulled the knife out, blood gushed out of the fresh wound and you felt the room spin and your head heavy, vision blurry — you fainted.

A hard slap across your cheek woke you up and you met with Yelena, eyes drifting to your bandaged hand. It was damn painful to move it, and you used your other hand to support your weight, shifting your position on the couch.

"Finally." Eren got up and and handed you a file. You flipped through it and found pictures and information of the men from the club.

"Y/N, this is Armin, our bookkeeper. He'll be paying you after every successful show. And this is Mikasa, she'll train you in self-defence. I suspect you won't need it, but it's better to be safe than sorry." Zeke pushed the glasses with his index finger.

"You stabbed me." You bluntly stated, eyes glued to the bandages.

"It'll heal."

"It'll heal? I'm already in debt, you didn't need to stab me!" You got up and instantly felt a gun to your head. Great.

"Sit." Yelena's voice was brash and commanding. Your brain told you to listen to her, but your instincts told you to provoke her, to taunt her. Teeth gritting, you took a deep breath and lowered yourself down, deciding to do both.

"You're not gonna shoot me without Mr. Jaeger's permission, so don't point your gun at me." A satisfied smirk creeped on your lips — you didn't technically provoke her, just stated the obvious.

"Can I shoot her?"

"No." Zeke enjoyed the show, and unbeknownst to you, he, too, felt somewhat proud of your little snarky remark. "You still have to prove your loyalty. Talk to the band, choose some songs for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You're free to settle your training hours with Mikasa, and to go wherever you want, but you are not allowed to step foot anywhere outside the centre of Paradis. Last thing I need is some Marleyan kidnapping you and torturing you for information. Or the cops. Dismissed."

"Mr. Jaeger, if I may?" You waited for his nod of approval. "Since I won't be living at the orphanage anymore, where exactly am I going to stay?"

"Ah, yes, of course. Blouse, Springer, come here." Zeke waved his hand. More people, more names.

It slowly dawned to you that the Jaegers had a thorough structure with extremely loyal people, and you'd have to quickly find your place there and earn their trust, lest you died a painful death. A bubbly brown-eyed woman and a cheerful-looking man approached Zeke's desk, and finally you saw someone less serious. Onyankopon was nice and all, but he wasn't exactly a ray of sunshine. These two seemed... fun.

"These are Sasha Blouse and Connie Springer, leaders of the drug cartel. You'll stay with them until you're capable of living by yourself."

The duo smiled at you and you felt genuine warmth from them, making you wonder just how bad the mafia was. They seemed to like working for the Jaeger brothers, but you couldn't judge that just yet.

"Oh, we've already moved your stuff to their place, so there is no need for you to visit Historia. Now go, we've got work to do." Zeke placed a cigarette between his lips before turning his back at you.

You were right, Sasha and Connie were fun people. They talked a lot, and you warmed up to them with a few jokes and puns. Connie handed you a phone containing a few contacts, neither of which were Zeke or Eren— apparently you weren't allowed to speak to them, they would speak to you. Sasha explained how you had to forget your past, and dedicate yourself solely to the family — no relationships, no friends, no acquaintances. You were not permitted to fall in love, which was understandable, considering the circumstances, but hard, considering the inability to control feelings.

"Don't worry about it too much. Zeke and Eren care about their subordinates, as long as you listen." Connie wrapped an arm around your neck. Besides, you're one of the lucky ones. Boss never spares witnesses, so he clearly saw potential in you." Somehow, that didn't make you feel any better, you only felt more weight on your shoulders.

"Yeah, I heard you can sing!" Sasha beamed, clapping her hands. "I can't wait for your first show, I bet it'll be awesome."

"It has to be, otherwise you'll have to come to my funeral." You shook your head, exiting Jaeger Manor. A honk caught your attention and you saw Mikasa impatiently waiting for you in a car. "Any advice before I go?"

"Don't get attached to any of us." Connie sighed.

"But trust that the family will protect you if you're loyal." The woman encouraged you before hugging you. A hug, something you never thought you'd get from a mobster.

[sadviper]

Woo Do Hwan: Interview with Kankoku TV Drama vol. 97 (Aug 2020)

Once again, much thanks to @staidwaters​ for graciously reviewing and correcting!!! This was a really hefty interview, hope you enjoy~

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Woo Do Hwan

Sword, bow, and horseback riding for the first time

A “Monstrous Newcomer” in a career-making, historical drama debut

In 2016, in the movie “Master”, Woo Do Hwan played the role of Lee Byung Hyun’s subordinate. Even though he appeared onscreen for just three minutes, he left a strong impression, attracting attention. Since then, he starred in “Save Me” (2017 OCN), taking on the nickname of “Monstrous Newcomer” and setting out on a brilliant career path. The next step he takes will be his first historical drama “My Country” (2019 JTBC).

Tackling a historical drama is an ideal chance for young and promising actors to grow; they have a rare chance to study in depth with multiple superb veteran actors over the long filming period. Woo Do Hwan did not miss this opportunity. His new work “The King: Eternal Monarch” (2020 SBS) leverages 120% of what he learned from “My Country”, and his popularity is surging.

Struck by a midwinter waterfall, the most dreadful and frigid opportunity to showcase yourself

--What kind of work is ”My Country”?

WDH: Each of the characters clash with the others for the sake of their personal convictions. This drama depicts their love and friendships. The country they are each reaching for … in a way, you could say they seek the same goal. Everyone wants a country in which they can live happily, but each person has a different path to that goal. This work skillfully depicts the conflicts that arise in the midst of this.

--Please introduce the role that you play.

WDH: Nam Seon-ho is an illegitimate child born to a family of nobles (yanban), and he has suffered greatly because of his birth. The poor guy is only able to relax his guard and laugh when he is with Seo Hwi (played by Yang Se Jong) and his younger sister Yeon (played by Jo Yi Hyun). However, even under such circumstances, he holds onto his ambitions. He doesn’t want other people to experience the same kind of pain that he has endured, so he strives to become the right-hand man of Yi Seong-gye (played by Kim Young-cheol), the future founder and king of the Joseon Dynasty. However, it doesn’t go as expected and I end up in opposition to Hwi, my dearest friend.

--What things did you pay attention to when creating the role?

WDH: Since it’s a period drama, it was difficult to get used to the way of speaking and tone of voice. It took me a while to get the hang of it. Now  I have the opposite problem, I’m doing my best to shake off the historical tone (laughs).

--The gorgeous hairstyles and clothing were a sight to behold.

WDH: Honestly, at first I thought “Long hair probably won’t suit me…” (laugh). So early on, I participated in many concept meetings and tried out different hairstyles. Even with long hair, there are many different hairstyles that can be made, such as wearing with armor or tying it up. I collaborated with the director to choose the most suitable style according to the situation in the drama. I was able to try on as many outfits as hairstyles, but I really enjoyed being  able to wear the special costumes such as the armor and the inspector’s garments; things we normally don’t get the chance to wear.

--How did you practice horseback riding, swordsmanship, and archery?

WDH: Before filming started, I studied martial arts for about two months. Filming lasted nine months, so in total I was focused on this work for a whole year. While filming action, it’s important to skillfully capture the scene, but the most essential thing is to not to get hurt. For that reason, the cinematographer, my co-stars, and I always had to be in perfect sync. It took time to match movements for the sword fights.

--You became the topic of much discussion when you revealed your magnificent physique in a waterfall during the opening of the drama. What are your secrets for managing your fitness?

WDH: I train on a regular basis. If I only started working out when I knew there were going to be scenes with skin showing, it’d be stressful trying to build up my body in a short period of time for shooting. After all, I don’t know when or where I will have to strip down for a scene! (laugh) Usually I play a lot of soccer, and I’ll go to the gym to train if I have time. If I take care of myself properly as a habit, then I don’t need to worry if my body looks good or if I should put in more effort during acting; I can just concentrate on my performance.

--Was the director’s reaction a good one?

WDH: He was extremely happy, hahaha. They keep trying to make me take my clothes off, so I was like, “Come on, give me a break!” The road to the filming location for the waterfall scene was rugged and steep and it was incredibly cold; it was the most difficult scene. Se-jong even said “I never want to go into water that cold again”.

--A lot of viewers said that “Nam Seon-ho is the most pitiful man in the world.” How do you personally feel?

WDH: I wanted to present Seon-ho as a tragic figure, so I was glad that the audience saw him the same way; it encouraged me to put in even more effort and I worked hard to build up his character. Seon-ho constantly stands on the boundary between life and death, living a life where he might die at any moment. He never manages to accomplish any of his dreams, and it is only at the very end that he realizes what is most precious to him. However, even though Seon-ho is a tragic character, if we just focused on the sadness the drama would be hard to watch and it wouldn’t be interesting at all. Therefore I wanted to show many things with him, such as him being a powerful figure, and the loneliness his power hides.

He was able to finish the drama because he was with Se-jong, his co-star of the same age.

--At what points did you sympathize with Seon-ho?

WDH: There is always a conflict in Seon-ho’s life in that he always has to sacrifice something in order to get something he wants. Seon-ho’s situation is an extreme case, of course, but I think that in our lives there are many moments like his, even if they are small and trivial. Moments when we desire what we can’t have, or throw away things we shouldn’t throw away. There are also moments when we all have to give something up for the sake of a goal that we are reaching for.  In the midst of that, I worried about the things that I should protect, so I deeply sympathized with Seon-ho, whose ideals and emotions were in conflict with each other.

--Your portrayal of the character’s emotions was well-received. When was Seon-ho the most emotional?

WDH: It would be when he heard that Seo Hwi was alive. I had a deep rapport with Se-jong in all my scenes with him. From a certain point onwards, the events in the drama truly felt real, and I fell more and more in love with Se-jong (laugh). I deeply empathized with Seon-ho’s emotions, which made me want to perform even more intensely in this work.

--Concerning expressing emotions, are you the type to do a lot of preparation beforehand? Or are you the type to perform what you feel on the spot?

WDH: I think I am half-and-half. Beforehand, I’ll think, “So we’re filming this kind of scene today”,  why is this happening, and what was the situation before this scene? However, it’s difficult to continuously hold onto emotions because there are rehearsals and blocking out our positions with the director. So I will concentrate on creating the emotion in the moment when acting.

--And what about your mutually dependent relationship with Yang Se-jong, who played the role of Seo Hwi?

WDH: I believe it would have been very difficult if Se-jong hadn’t been there. I relied on him a lot. The make-up room was set up in a large van onsite, and while our hair was being done, we would go over our lines. If one person said their lines, then the other person would just naturally respond with their own lines. We are the same age, not just in the drama but also in real life, so in both the Goryeo and modern eras, we were always communicating well, back and forth.

Se-jong always helped me, and even though we were together on location for very long periods of time, not once did we fight or have a conflict of opinion. We spent our time together as good friends, always being considerate of each other.

--There were many scenes of Seon-ho and Hwi’s friendship that brought out tears, but was there a particular scene where you especially felt the friendship between the two?

WDH: All those scenes where we rescued each other. Especially that scene in the latter half, where Hwi took Seon-ho out of Yi Bang-won’s (played by Jang Hyuk) house; that was memorable. Then in the first half, during the massacre of the Liaodong Punitive Expedition advance party, there’s a scene where we cross swords in the midst of combat and I recognize my dear friend Hwi. That scene was very good and had a big impact.

--What is your impression of Seolhyun (AOA) as Han Hee-jae?

WDH: Seolhyun was truly a “celebrity” to me (laugh). She is one of Korea’s top idols; I’ve seen her movies. When I heard that she would be co-starring with me, I was very much looking forward to it. Once we were actually performing together, I was amazed that her acting was even better than I expected. Seolhyun was the youngest on location, but she had a very mature attitude during filming. In front of a large crowd of her seniors, she played a bold and strong woman. I was impressed.

--The antagonism between Seon-ho and his father was one of the highlights of the drama. How was it like to co-star with Ahn Nae-sang, who played the role of your father?

WDH: Ahn Nae-sang sunbae was like a real father, a very interesting person. Although he’d say “Seon-ho is an impertinent son” (laugh), he worked well with me, and did a lot for me. During breaks, he tells jokes and lightens the atmosphere on set, but once filming starts, his gaze radically changes and he becomes a terrifying father. He’s not someone who hands out advice left and right to juniors, rather, he is a person who reacts kindly and looks after us. 

Extremely jealous of Se-jong’s Japanese fanmeet

--What are your thoughts on successfully wrapping up your first historical drama?

WDH: I wore hanbok, long wigs, and armor--I got to experience all of these things for the first time. I’ve also never done things like swordsmanship, archery, or horseback riding, so each one of those was a new challenge. Because I have never lived in that time period, I worried about how I should portray it. Despite that, I enjoyed everything. The remote locations that I visited were very beautiful, and during breaks it was a wonderful experience to enjoy the scenery and watch the seasons change instead of sitting in the dressing room. I’ve heard from my seniors that once you’ve done one historical drama, you’ll want to do another, and now I know what that feeling is like for myself.

--What was the most memorable location?

WDH: In the opening scenes, I often went to the countryside, but first I filmed the waterfall scene and the cliff scene. That cliff scene was absolutely terrifying. I scaled the cliff and did the action scene, but I thought...I might actually die if I fall (strained laugh).

--Watching the behind-the-scenes footage, you seem the quiet type but at the Japanese fanmeeting, I feel that you were skilled at speaking onstage. What is your actual personality?

WDH: Do I look like someone who doesn’t say much? I’m definitely not the talkative type, though. Hahaha. I talk a lot when I’m with Se-jong, but the interesting thing is, how much Se-jong and I will say changes depending on the day. On some days Se-jong speaks more than I do, and on other days I won’t shut up (laugh).

--Since filming continued for about a year, was it difficult to break free from the role of Seon-ho?

WDH: Honestly, I wouldn’t have thought about Seon-ho without today’s interview. However, Seon-ho’s sword is in my living room, so whenever I see it, I’m going to remember (laugh). But because I can’t use historical speech in the drama that I’m currently filming, I try to forget as much as possible.

--Currently you’re in the middle of filming the drama “The King”, right?

WDH: In “The King”, one person plays two different roles. The show depicts parallel worlds. In one world, Lee Min-ho sunbae plays the emperor and my character, Jo Yeong, has been by the emperor’s side since childhood and is the captain of the Royal Guard. In the other world, I am Jo Eun-seop, a social service worker whose personality is the complete opposite to Yeong’s. I’m having a lot of fun filming this, so please look forward to it.

--What does “my country” mean to you?

WDH: I believe it’s the people around me. I have family, I have friends, and I also have colleagues. A life where I can live happily with all of them, that is my dream country, I guess. No one goes on without desire, so I want to live together while caring for each other.

--You’ve been called the “Monstrous Newcomer”. With this kind of recognition, do you feel pressured?

WDH: I’m always under pressure. However, I tell myself I can’t lose to it, I have to work harder to overcome it.

--Finally, a message to your Japanese fans.

WDH: 2020 was the year I definitely wanted to meet all my Japanese fans, but filming for “The King” started earlier than expected and hasn’t finished yet. I was incredibly jealous when I heard that Se-jong held a Japanese fan meeting at the end of 2019. When “The King” finishes, I would like to meet you all. Until then, please take care of yourself and be happy. I will do my best to finish my work and greet you in good form. If you haven’t seen “My Country” yet, I definitely invite you to watch it.  I also hope you look forward to “The King”.

You can direct fan mail to:

KEYEAST / 30, 11-Gil, Hakdong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06042 Korea