#unity hates me for some reason

[daily-geminitay]

I have an urge to throw a dictionary at a toddler. Take that as you will.

This has been sitting in my inbox for a while now and I still don't really know how to respond to this

[ichliebemeinkissen]

out of curiosity, why do you use the word transandrophobia? to my knowledge it was primarily created to push back against women’s reasonable discussions of transmisogny in the community, but i don’t know intimately how it’s used now. would you be able to discuss a little why you feel it’s a useful term?

To your knowledge? Do you mean you just saw a bunch of people on tumblr shit talk it and you internalized that as the truth?

Transandrophobia is a good term for discussing a different subset of trans issues. It just happens that certain people of this community haven't unlearned certain beliefs, and take out their issues on other people under the guise of "defending" queers.

Transandrophobia as a discussion is not transmisogynistic, and if you lurked a bit in those spaces you can see that clearly.

.

Let me put it to you this way, anon:

On one hand you have a bunch of trans people coming together to talk about their issues. Poc and non-americans hold more of a voice than previously in conversations of trans issues, and it's all around a bunch of people coming together to do community work.

On the other side you have a bunch of bloggers who will constantly shit talk trans men for their identity, frequent sexual harassment against people who post about transandrophobia, major "anti transandrophobia" bloggers being routinely racist, misgendering people, including trans women, carying out harassment campaigns, etc, and all around being typically racist, intersexist, bio essentialist, self described radfems, exorsexist, etc.

.

I have been in these conversations for a while. The second group is nothing new, just manifests their hate in a new way. You tell me, anon, do you think I, a trans woman who constantly preaches about community & unity and listening to others in minoritiy groups, would choose the second option? Where I routinely see slop as a base of the argument? Genuinely go look and critically think about both sides and then come back to me.

This is why you can't just accept everything you read on your timeline, dear reader. You'll simply end up supporting whoever you see. Even though it's well known that people will hide their hatred behind "benevolence" or "protection".

I'm a bit ill so I cannot adequately say this any better, but I don't think I need to explain to you why I use the term. I think you need to learn the terms history and spend some time studying both sides, it should speak for itself.

[mothinkling]

Leander's cult signs, Psychic Moths and Manipulative Bottoming.

!(DEMO UPDATE SPOILERS; LEANDERS ROUTE)!

''What are you doing sitting around, good-looking? the demo's been out, why don't you hurry that cute little body of yours and spend some time with me?''

Call me the Unnamed Oracle because in this post I'd made the point that that Leander would want to make you feel powerful, in control both physically and mentally to stop you from questioning his behavior.

I'm so giddy that I was actually right about this lmfao, and it got me thinking more about Leander's control tactics.

Safety, even if false, creates a safety blanket- it also breeds codependence; for MC, safety looks like the ability to not hurt anybody using the power of their hands.

We can also see this when MC manages to push him down onto the bed to keep him from leaving, exactly what he would've wanted.

MC believes it was from their own volition, but it was all Leander's play, he'd promised them answers to the question they so desperately want to be answered, and then tried to leave in a hurry immediately after.

It makes them feel more in control, like everything they're doing comes from their decision alone and not somebody elses influence, which could render doubt.

This also plays well into all of the cult symptoms I noticed within the new update, something they seem to be pushing more with the Abberstone/Bloodhounds.

One of the first signs of a cult is love-bombing, something that can be expressed in multiple different ways, I'd be willing to overlook Leander's fascination and desire to know every detail about MC as simply a cultural difference due to the exchange of knowledge

BUT on the other hand, another way of love-bombing that's quite popular when it comes to cult activities especially is the act of singling the possible new member out in a positive manner.

He chose you out of everyone vying for his affection, the only difference being that they're completely hooked on him and you aren't yet.

It's human nature to want validation and to feel special, and he's offering that to you in particular, oh, don't you feel so wanted? it makes you feel more akin to stay.

Who wouldn't want to stay somewhere that makes them feel special and adored, especially by the flock leader themselves.

One of the main things we learn about the Abberstone/Bloodhound's is that they're protective of one another, they're good Samaritans who've even lended a hand fixing a leaking roof once or twice.

But if you look on the other side of things, another sign of a cult is both Fear Factor and Hate-Bonding.

Very little unites people like a shared hatred, think about it, have you ever bonded more with a friend because there is someone at work or school you both just cannot stand?

This is also another weapon used by flock leaders, they usually pick a certain group or organization to turn into the cult's enemy, someone everybody can mutually boo.

This also brings a sense of belonging as everyone shares at least one point of view with the rest, it's a very base instinct to agree with something that a large group is saying.

It's like if a person who's spent their life sober goes out with a group of friends who love drinking, they're more inclined to join in despite their own beliefs due to fear of missing out.

It ignites unity within the group, keeping them more loyal to each other and the cause.

This also ties hand in hand with creating bonds within the cult, something to give you a reason to stay.

Leander is your friend, don't you trust him? :)

Sharing secrets is a good way to bond with people, similar to the instance of shared trauma, something exclusive between two people that makes them feel like they can only talk to that other.

Leander love-bombs quite early on until they easily start calling MC a friend, almost desperate to win them over for that exact reason.

He knows MC is alone and desperate, the ideal target for a cults influence, so he's eager to be their first friend.

He even discourages trying to befriend the likes of Mhin or Kuras, pointing out the flaws in all the others so you'd feel more inclined to spend time with him instead.

Not that they really have much of a choice, because another thing that's extremely prominent in the structure of a cult is Financial Control.

But how could Leander do that if everything is free? it's an almost genius method, but the effect goes the opposite.

MC likely doesn't look wealthy, like at all, and it seems that travelers have a reputation for being scraggly if the sighting of the other at the beginning of the game is anything to go off of (before they went insane, I wouldn't be looking too hot either if my mind was broken.)

They're also extremely tight about the information given, anybody can tell that from just five minutes talking about that.

And with Eridia's information value, they're not exactly going to get far.

Leander knows that, so like the good Samaritan he is, he lets them stay at the Wet Wick for free, even offering free meals and drinks.

But this also leaves MC under his thumb, they can barely afford food let alone another place to stay, and Leander is there and kind and oh-so-willing to lend a hand.

Constantly being surrounded by a cult is a sure way to get indoctrinated, especially when they're so much warmer compared to the harshness of the other people they've met, I.E Mhin and Vere.

But we're also overlooking the most crucial sign of Leander being a flock leader.

This has been crucial to his rise in power and keeping his followers hooked on him and his ideologies, enough to overlook any sort of red flag.

Look at those tiddies fr i'd fall for that any day, we don't need any indoctrination fam we're already hooked 😍😍 I'd say we don't need a leash but I know we'd still like it

Big tiddy cult forever

[mono-dontidae]

random hc's

c/w: they're either stupid or weird. mostly brainrotted. i made this half past 2 in the morning so it's not proofread.

a/n: im taking a bit of a break from angst to write this cause i can't keep being depressing 🥀

pairing(s): bokuto, hanamaki, nishinoya, lev, suna, matsukawa, atsumu, akaashi x !gn reader

bokuto

- type of guy who has burping contests out in public and loses

- he'd swoop in to kiss your cheek but trick you into letting him lick you instead

- randomly recites brainrot while doing a simple task (ex: *washing the dishes* "..tung tung tung.. sahur.....")

hanamaki

- "are you deaduzz 🥀" while making the most obscure and soul-grippen shocked face ever

- istead of complimenting you like a normal person, he'd hit the 👅 emote like crazy

- his ringtone is unity by thefatrat

nishinoya

- would dutch oven you, no hesitation

- if you asked him if he did something he wasn't supposed to do he'd go, "whaaat? that's crazy, my 6'7 self would never do such a thing!"

- if he'd fake calling in sick to class, he'd have some fuckass reason (ex: "absent. reason: has ligma.")

lev

- he laughed super hard one time and farted on accident and proceeded to hit the choking emote out of embarrassment

- type of guy to say 'ow' at anything whether it hurt or not

- if he has cold hands, he'd place them under your shirt and onto your waist to giggle at you when you shriek

suna

- everytime he compliments you, he'd talk to an invisible camera (ex: "chat, was that W rizz?" "chat, don't clip that" "chat, was i nonchalant about it?" "complimenting the huzz at [insert time] challenge, gone right")

- ragebaits kids on roblox

- used to make sad bart simpsons edits back in the day

matsukawa

- "oh, so you hate me?" when you say no

- randomly breaks out into song when he feels like it no matter what (ex: *3 mins in having a conversation* "ain't itttt fuuuuunnnn~?" *continues like nothing happened)

- would annoy you on purpose when he's losing an argument by repeating what you said in a nerdy voice (ex: "[insert sentence] headahh 🤓🤣")

atsumu

- would post about how he hates periods & his collection of feminist literature

- corny tryhard insta captions like, "got me feeling myself like i lost my keys" "call me inertia cos i got dat motion"

- tells osamu "dont pmo" "bruh youre so kevin 💔" "ts so buns" when osamu can't serve for shit

akaashi

- would tell you a random fact and wait for you to go, "really?" just to tell you "no lmao"

- type of guy to type "🧯" to guys who type "🔥" in your insta comments whenever you post smth

- wears a weezer shirt in public

gurt: yo

[pinkbairds]

katniss became the mockingjay not only out of chance and her strength, but also her empathy! katniss' sense of compassion and love goes very overlooked when it's the fundamental reason why she was so impactful as the mockingjay.

she is the pillar of unity! it shows in her experience with rue, with peeta, and even her own genes.

showing care for rue and learning more about district 11 is crucial for the revolution. the capitol's power is built off of division and hate, especially in the core aspect of the hunger games where the district's all fight each other. katniss sharing her own culture in district 12 (the 3 finger salute) to commemorate rue is so impactful yet so overlooked. it symbolises that she respects and loves rue like her own family, that they aren't district 11 or 12, they are simply people who care for each other.

also,the starcrossed lovers ideal isn't just an entertaining romantic subplot to create drama, it's also a crucial agent for the tipping point of the rebellion. it shows the strength of love in times of hate. after witnessing such gore and killing people themselves, Katniss and peeta decide to die in the arena that caused so much trauma instead of living without love (from an outsider viewpoint, not hers). suicide from berries isn't entertaining, it's depressing. that was enough to ignite some disdain for the hunger games, and it was all from katniss.

also, the fact that katniss is born from a mix of seam and merchant is very important. her very being and blood signifies unity despite background and difference. hell, the fact that she chooses peeta - who grew up so different from her and is her complete opposite - shows unity, since she's not sticking to what she knows, she's sticking to who she loves, and that in itself is defiant to a regime that condemns freedom and aims to eradicate love.

if that wasn't enough, the mockingjay bird also symbolises this. it's a mix of a jabberjay and a mocking bird that was born out of survival. it's perpetuates the idea that we need each other in order to continue. don't even get me started on the role of music in the revolution...

overall, the hunger games is such a touching piece of work that comments on how we need love to live and thrive. the best way to defy oppression is to love each other despite our differences. katniss is the core symbol of that and I personally think it gets overlooked since we see things from katniss' view, and she clearly thinks she's a social outcast and people only like her out of necessity when she's WRONG

[goodnightmemes]

AGATHA ALL ALONG SENTENCE STARTERS

❛ You don't seem like yourself. ❜

❛ If you wanna be in control, you can be. ❜

❛ Is this really how you see yourself? ❜

❛ Do you remember why you hate me? ❜

❛ The things that you're roasting me for are the things that make me dangerous. ❜

❛ How long have I been here? ❜

❛ Call me "nosy," I'll cut out your tongue. ❜

❛ Can you put on some clothes? 'Cause you... 'Cause you're naked. ❜

❛ Do you remember pain? It kind of tickles, doesn't it? ❜

❛ Maybe I can't kill you, but I can make you wish you were dead. ❜

❛ I am not the only one that wants to see you dead. ❜

❛ Ugh! It really warms the heart. ❜

❛ You don't have a heart. ❜

❛ Be sure to tell the vengeance-seekers I said hi. ❜

❛ That's why I saved you from the spell you were under. ❜

❛ Wherever you are, a coven there shall be. ❜

❛ I feel really optimistic about this. ❜

❛ So you're a bit of a kook. Every witch has their process. ❜

❛ Witches like you are the reason people think we poison apples, and steal children, and eat babies. ❜

❛ Don't you miss the glory days? ❜

❛ The path you're currently on leads nowhere. ❜

❛ Hey! Where do you keep your jade eggs? I'm fresh out of marbles, and my pelvic floor is all over the place. ❜

❛ I haven't seen you since I made a really pointed effort to never run into you again.❜

❛ Historically, we as a group don't do well in courtrooms. ❜

❛ People like you are dangerous. ❜

❛ Are there any real witches in the house? ❜

❛ What a team of rejects. ❜

❛ This is just a really, really, really horrible party. ❜

❛ It's giving "middle-aged second chance at love" vibes and I'm here for it. ❜

❛ Okay, so a witch is really just another name for a bad girl, is that right? ❜

❛ I'm not saying that I wanna join the club or anything, but I would drink the blood of a virgin if it would smooth out some of these wrinkles. ❜

❛ So the hallucinations seem chill. ❜

❛ I can't protect you! ❜

❛ I do not wanna die here. This is not where I die. ❜

❛ They can take your power, but they can't take your knowledge. ❜

❛ I didn't think you had it in you. ❜

❛ We were supposed to look out for each other, but we didn't. That was our fatal mistake. ❜

❛ I wish we could go home. ❜

❛ People can't be replaced. ❜

❛ Are we in trouble? Like, more than we were ten minutes ago? ❜

❛ Honestly, I don't know how to feel. Do I hate her? Or do I want her phone number? ❜

❛ I'm feeling impatient. I'm feeling like I wanna cause some damage. ❜

❛ Once vengeance is loosed, you can't reel it back in. ❜

❛ The only way to end a curse is to face it. ❜

❛ Sad is better than angry. ❜

❛ You don't have to know a person's name to know who they are. ❜

❛ Are you really defending a noted serial killer, you creepy lurker? ❜

❛ The moral of the story, kids, is always finish what you started. Also, mercy is overrated. ❜

❛ Who better to commune with the dead than someone who's put so many in the grave? ❜

❛ I mean, or we could just slit her throat. ❜

❛ But we were getting along, weren't we? We were clicking. There was unity. ❜

❛ She's possessed! For real this time! ❜

❛ I hate ghosts. ❜

❛ Why do you hate me still?❜

❛ You were born evil. ❜

❛ Please take me with you. ❜

❛ She was protecting you. But you don't deserve it. ❜

❛ I couldn't... I couldn't control it. ❜

❛ Death comes for us all. ❜

❛ You're so much like your mother. ❜

❛ We love you more than we could ever hope to communicate in human words. ❜

❛ You don't need to be a psychic to see that you're a good egg. ❜

❛ Enjoy the now, baby. It's the only thing that's certain. ❜

❛ Nothing in my life has felt normal until I met you. ❜

❛ I want you to know the real me. ❜

❛ You're so adorably trusting. ❜

❛ Word to the wise, don't go sniffing around there. ❜

❛ You seriously don't know what kind of crazy that lady eats for breakfast. ❜

❛ I panicked, so I ran. ❜

❛ Could we, like, maybe not, with the physical violence? ❜

❛ Power doesn't interest me. ❜

❛ Yeah. Well, what you did was ehhh … but life goes on. Yours, anyway. ❜

❛ I mean, I've killed...uh...my share. But you don't see it holding me back. ❜

❛ Don't you dare feel guilty about your talent. You survived. ❜

❛ So you broke the rules. Big deal. That's what kept you alive. That's what makes you special. ❜

❛ I don't need you anymore. I don't know if I ever did. ❜

❛ If you really wanna finish this together, just know that I do not trust you. At all. ❜

❛ You'll get a nosebleed trying that hard to read my mind. ❜

❛ Hey, you want straight answers, ask a straight lady. ❜

❛ Tell me what more I should see, when I look at you. ❜

❛ You know, we really hated each other from the beginning. But now...I love you, guys. ❜

❛ I'm a forgotten woman. ❜

❛ Death comes for us all. It is what we all have in common. ❜

❛ I can see all the pieces falling into place. The gaps are filling in. ❜

❛ I'm telling you now because soon I'm not going to remember any of this. ❜

❛ I hope you'll join me. ❜

❛ I needed you. My coven. ❜

❛ What can I say? I like the bad boys. ❜

❛ I loved being a witch. ❜

❛ That's it? That's all the... That's all the time I get? ❜

❛ This can't be the end. It has to be the beginning. ❜

❛ I watch you. Just as closely as you watch everyone else. ❜

❛ No one in history has had special treatment like you. ❜

❛ You gave me nothing. You took. ❜

❛ Why do you let them believe those things about you, hmm? ❜

❛ What fresh horrors await us! ❜

❛ You seem relaxed. Usually at this point you're either complaining loudly or freaking out loudly. ❜

❛ It's nice. That feeling when your body knows it's safe. ❜

❛ Sometimes...boys die. ❜

❛ Congratulations, my love! I'm sorry I didn't have a ribbon for you to run through. ❜

❛ Why don't you want me? ❜

❛ Power looks good on you. ❜

❛ You do this and I will hate you forever. ❜

❛ Please let him live. Please, my love! ❜

❛ If you want to survive, get used to this feeling. ❜

❛ I cannot protect you from what's coming. ❜

❛ I saw you die. ❜

❛ And now, I'm a ghost. Can you dig it? ❜

❛ By the way, I did not sacrifice myself for you. I took a calculated risk. ❜

❛ You're making fun of me. This is just one of your tricks. ❜

❛ You have something of mine. I know you took it. ❜

❛ Why are you still here? Why won't you just die? ❜

❛ I'm sure he would forgive you for... whatever you did. ❜

❛ We could make a good team. You and me. ❜

[jimin-bangtan]

The Grit & Persistence of Jimin & His Fans

NOTE: Feel free to skip down to the Jimin-specific section below the fold.

BTS is the only reason I am involved in KPop. All of the traditions and vocabulary of Kpop were new to me when I became their fan. I was aware of Kpop but never engaged with it. I had heard a bit about it, and what I had heard wasn't flattering. Mainly I was concerned about the training process and the pressure that seemed to be put on the young artists.

I have written in my BTS experience post (See my Archive or Masterlist.) that my sister found BTS first and introduced me, mainly through performances. I found them all extremely talented and interesting. I happen to continually find myself watching Jimin.

I got to know BTS's story and about how challenging their plight had been. I heard of the unfair treatment and disregard that was cast upon them. I also learned of the intentional sabotage and harm that was done to them in the music industry. Still, they continued to succeed.

I found out more about Jimin too. I found out about his short training period, his misdirected start as a rapper, and his lack of vocal lessons in spite of the piercing high notes he was given to sing. I was concerned for all of their wellbeing and safety as I watched documentaries and saw how hard they worked.

Over time, I discovered more about the unprofessional and disrespectful treatment they received from the media, Kpop colleagues and their fans, as well as the general public. To the present time, more and more information continues to come out about intentional actions done against them.

One of those intentional actions was the Break Wings project, which was a plan designed by some fandoms, companies, or entities to attempt to ruin BTS's achievement for their coming Wings album and beyond. The planners basically were attempting to erase BTS from the competition. BTS was, after all, from a new company that would be competing against the 3 longstanding, "big" Kpop companies. Up to that point, BTS had not yet broken through but had made an impression and their potential was obvious.

BREAK WINGS PROJECT (2016)

credit: Sonyeonstan

The organized project, dispersed throughout social media and in private communications, not only put a target on BTS's back, but it also instructed competing fan groups, or just the general public, exactly how they could unite in force to tear down anything BTS attempted. It really is a hateful way to use energy.

Instead of using their energy to focus on their own groups to help them rise and conquer. They expended their energy trying to destroy BTS. And boy, did it backfire - OR maybe it worked exactly as the poorly devised plan should have. With their energy off of their own groups and on BTS, BTS kept thriving. In comparison, their groups kept declining in achievement and relevance, which caused the targeted hate to escalate.

The relentless hate caused BTS to choose to turn toward each other in closer unity and to work even harder. Their performances were innovative and astonishing. Their plans were intricate and well-designed. They got more and more attention. They won more and more awards, and they broke through more and more barriers. Their achievements have far surpassed anything Kpop had or has ever achieved, even now reaching into the Western market and opening the doors for others to follow. Their records are historic and exceptional.

Surprisingly, now in 2025, the hate against BTS still has not subsided. They have earned more respect, even if begrudgingly, but the industry, competing fans, and the media still attempt to minimize BTS's achievements and mere presence at times. After all of the economic, cultural, and political gains BTS has made for Korea, Kpop, and Asia, there is still animosity and overall jealousy and contempt for them. And what's worse is that I can't figure out anything BTS did to earn this reaction - except to exist and succeed.

SO WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH JIMIN?

Well, if you read the strategy above of the Break Wings project, the tactics sound very much like the organized actions that have been used against Jimin for years. And what is really shocking to me is that as I became more involved in the fandom, I realized it was coming not from people outside of the fandom but literally from within the same OT7 ("We love all 7 members.") fandom that I had once read took on abusers and foes of BTS, in unison. I was so impressed in reading how the fandom had unified to become such a productive force for BTS. BTS always spoke of this fandom with such pride and love because they appreciated all that the fandom did while they were struggling to survive.

I shake my head as I write.

I will admit that I realize that the Break Wings project included a plan to infiltrate BTS's ARMY fandom and to pretend to be them and start trouble and create strife in different places, including within the fandom. I do now believe that some of what is happening to Jimin is because of outside forces pretending to be BTS fans. HOWEVER, where is that protective, loving, united force I had once read about? Why are they not unifying to protect all of their members EQUALLY? Why are they silent when any one of their 7 is being attacked - and with death threats!!! Where are they when family members of any member are being attacked? Where are they when support is being withheld to prevent any BTS member from achieving? EQUALLY!

Since I have been a part of the BTS scene, I have even seen the fandom do it for other members or at occasional times, but I noticed that it did not happen equally and for all members. Early on, I had asked my sister a few times, as I was watching material, why it appeared that Jimin was treated a bit differently. She never could explain. She still can't. I can't either.

I can only imagine that it's for the same reason BTS was targeted. Because he dared to exist and succeed.

The companies back then saw young BTS's grit, talent, and fight and were afraid. (Research current conversation about SM's plan for BTS's American Hustle Life appearance) Before they tried to destroy BTS, they first attempted to obtain them as their own. When that didn't work, they moved on to destruction. As much as people may hate BangPD for other things he has or has not done, he did not fold on BTS when money was tight, pressure was high, or circumstances seemed bleak. BTS did not fold, and Jimin did not fold. In fact, Jimin, like BTS, excelled and exceeded all expectations for him in the group and during this solo era.

Like with BTS, in spite of Jimin's contributions to the group and the attention they received because of him, the hate continues. Remember the forces were trying to tear down BTS. What better way than to tear down members one by one and start with the ones whose loss would change the dynamic, attention, or work of BTS?

This long overdue post is because Jimin has recently been nominated for an AMA, an AMERICAN Music Award (Favorite KPop Artist). Both of his solo albums were huge successes in America (U.S.), and his main track from his most current solo album just went quadruple (4X) platinum in the U.S. That same song, WHO, became the longest charting Kpop song ever on the AMERICAN Billboard Hot100 chart. Yet the "fans" are plotting to vote against him for this award. They are plotting to NOT vote for a BTS member to guarantee he loses to another nominated BTS member or, I suspect, to anyone else. I get the sense that they really don't want him to win again. Their idea is not to let the chips fall where they may but to intentionally plot his loss. I wish I could say this was the first time.

And worse, the plotters are trying to appear noble by using excuses that sound justifiable to those who may not think it through, so it seems like a reasonable consideration. "He's won enough awards." "He would want his bandmate to win instead of him." Wouldn't his bandmate also be happy for Jimin to win too? Has Jimin not earned his nomination and possible win - with receipts?

While the achievements in the U.S. are not comparable, Jimin's bandmate, RM, also deserves his nomination for his creative, alternative rap album, and people are free to vote for him too. My problem would not be RM winning legitimately. My problem is the organized plot to vote AGAINST Jimin - just like the Break Wings project. If these current people think they are in any way better than those who participated in that plot against BTS, they are wrong - and they are worse - especially if they actually believe themselves to be true BTS fans.

It is exhausting being Jimin's fan, and it's not because of Jimin. He actually makes it easy to love and support him and his work. It is because of BTS's fandom that really has disappointed me in some ways. These hateful "fans" do NOT represent the BTS members I have come to know. BTS would not condone or accept this as part of the message they have worked to present. They have loved and supported each other through all the turmoil. They worked tirelessly to cultivate this fandom and to succeed. The OT7 idea for this fandom, at this point, appears to be a myth.

All of the shipping divisiveness, hateful comments to BTS members and to other fans during Lives and on social media, organizing plots against BTS's own members, and the harassment of members' families are just distasteful demonstrations. This is just not the BTS way. At least that's what I thought.

Again, I shake my head.

Jimin's fans will continue to fight for him, using his attitude and efforts as models. It would be great to feel he was supported by the entire fandom, as all the members should be, but in honesty, I have seen too many situations where that does not seem to be true.

I am not a solo. I truly love and support all the guys. My support for Jimin does not include hating on the other members. I wish them all well and appreciate the work they do. (That doesn't mean I can't have honest thoughts about what they do or say, including Jimin.). However, I understand the feeling of solos - those who do not hate on or damage other members or the group - even if they don't actively support the other guys. It has been a tough journey watching from a Jimin supporter's point of view. The fandom can do better. It should do better - for all of the members.

I am presently working on a post where I explain that I feel it is time for BTS to address their fandom. It is out of hand, and it is costing them new fans, old fans, positive fan experiences, their reputation, and their legacy. If the problems are mostly from those outside of the fandom, the fans within should not allow this to be the atmosphere of this legendary group's fanbase. BTS should not be diminished by their own fandom by either actions of destruction or by inaction of allowing the destruction to remain unchecked.

[ipilokko]

// 10 People I'd like to know better //

I got tagged by @kbthebearcat and @captain-clandestiny THANK YOU GUYS

🎧Last song🎧: I am not sure to be honest 😭 i was listening a mixed playlist on shuffle but i last remember listening to return to forever and when i fall in love

🎨Favorite color🎨: THE ONE AS MY BLOG BACKGROUND i am obsessed 💔 AND A WARMER TONE OF MUSTARD YELLOW tbh all the natural colors really 🤭

📚last book📚: I am not much of a reader, but i read "Ağrı Dağı Efsanesi" as homework. (Browsed the recap but sshhh)

🍿Last movie🍿: Ugh i am so embarrassed but Sonic 3. MY FRIENDS FORCED ME OKAY?!. Like you can't expect someone who likes "The Game", "Silence of the lambs", "there will be blood", "Jane Eyre" etc to like such a movie- i am REALLY picky about what i watch. But yeah it was Sonic 3 I'm sorry 💀

📺 Last tv show 📺: It was "Baby Raindeer" i guess... It was alright.

🍔 sweet/spicy/savory 🍔: Savory 😌

🌀Current obsession🌀: ASSASSIN'S CREED ASSASSIN'S CREED ASSASSIN'S CREED ASSASSIN'S CREED ASSASSIN'S CREED

Finished the ezio trilogy and now playing unity and black flag. Torturing myself by replaying missions (in unity) over and over until i perfectly ghost them. People hate that game for some reason but i like it a lot tbh

🔍 Last thing searched 🔍:

I was answering the ask then i called Hargrove "passed away recently". i was sure it was not as "recently" so i searched to find out. 2018 was the date. He was such a nice trumpeter. I found about him after coming up with Roy and now one of his songs i think is roy if he was a song. Here's the song for those wondering !

👀looking forward to👀: nothing specific. But i am curious about the gt of that upcoming fable game. Probably can't afford it and don't have the hardware to run it so I'll watch the gameplays 💀

People I'd like to know better:

@justagiantpotato @pipinpali @pacthesis @alserm @ohnobrooo @paxmorgana @guaxinimraccoon @olivexing @territorialrain

[genderqueerdykes]

i heard recently that some radfems online are trying to make the labrys lesbian flag into a TERF thing :(

so i wanted to ask you as someone more tapped into this stuff: if you saw the labrys flag irl would you'd associate it with TERFs?

personally, i genuinely love that flag and see it as such a symbol of strength, perseverance, and LGBTQ+ unity since a gay man designed it for lesbians despite being during a time of high misogyny. it brought so many people together in my eyes

despite the fact that i really love this flag i would hate to make anyone trans feel uncomfortable if they saw me wearing it as a pin/sticker on something. is it really a TERF thing now or is the greater community successfully keeping TERFs away from the labrys symbol?

so i have heard this from a few folks and here's my take on it

they're trying to do it... but why let them?

it's been a powerful symbol in the lesbian community for a very long time. and as you said, it was designed as an act of solidarity between gay men and lesbians. terfs hate gay men. terfs hate all men. they would never approve of that- they would despise a symbol created for lesbians by men.

personally, when i see labrys stickers or pins irl or randomly, i associate it with old lesbians. that's really it. usually old butch lesbians. most lesbians who use the symbol are older. usually when it's used by older queers it is in fact seen as a symbol that's meant to bring people together. it's very clear that the newer generations are hesitant about using it because radfems and man hating lesbians have tried to make it their own, but i say we just don't let them.

you can't use the symbol if you hate men. so if you hate men and you fly the labrys? fuck off. this symbol wasn't made for you.

i love the symbol. as a big butch trans dyke who hates all kinds of queerphobia, i love the reasoning behind it and what it stands for. i refuse to back down and accept any type of bullshit from anyone, especially people who claim to be lesbians, but do nothing but hate on other dykes. i'm a lesbian, i'm a dyke loving dyke. i'm not here to drag other lesbians down. i'm not here to drag women down. i'm not here to drag trans dykes and trans butches and trans femmes down. i'm here to love on dykes.

nobody hates lesbians more than terfs. so i say: take it back. especially if you're a transfem, transmasc, transneutral, intersex, genderqueer, bigender, agender, two spirit, trans something else, any other kind of gender variant lesbian. it has history that stems well beyond when man hating terfs decided to try to co-opt it. you don't have to accept them, especially if they are using it incorrectly- which they are.

[arcielee]

I want to enjoy season 2 of House of the Dragon, but Ryan Condal is a dumb cunt, a brief essay. Feel free to ignore.

It feels like he was handed a delicious fucking sandwich and this man-child has picked away the layers until there is only soggy bread left to serve, and then he has the audacity to offer it to me, saying: "Delicious!"

I cannot stand the cheesy sitcom moments; first it was the Wrong Twin trope and now the Septa Shenanigans. I do not like how they are pushing for Team Black to appear faultless, and I also hate how they keep stripping away the humanity, unity, the loyalty that the Greens had for their own. That was pivotal in the book because it was the only reason they went to war, why Aegon decided to step up–because he loves his family.

But instead, Ryan is desperate to push this "good" guys vs "bad" guys narrative that he has in his head. Now the Greens are bumbling idiots who do not care what the other is doing, unless it's to belittle them, and the woe-is-them Blacks have been ordained by the gods to take what is "rightfully" theirs while making Rhaenyra some fucking saint...

...and I just think his soggy bread is dumb.

He is very fortunate that the cast can interpret this shit writing and act their asses off. This is the only reason why I will finish the show, because I have yet seen anyone that has not delivered in the role they were given.

But Condal (and Sara Hess) are dead to me once this series wraps up.

[adorablebanite]

I'm new here, but have we yet talked about why Gortash coins himself "Lightbringer?"

I know "Enver" translates to "shining one" in Turkish, or something of the sort, and "Gortash" means "stone" (not sure which language, I literally googled this for 2 seconds don't come at me!)

My assumption is he rebranded himself after rising in the underworld as someone more front-facing and politics-friendly, so of course "Flymm," being associated with poverty/bad business decisions was not an option (not to mention he'd want to separate himself from his parents for obvious reasons).

The funny thing to me, is while Bane is known as "The Lord of Darkness," "The Dark One," "The Black Lord," and Gortash, his right-hand man (metaphorically and literally) essentially brands himself as a beacon of light.

Is it because it looks and sounds good politically and socially? I'm assuming so, but it also has a cheeky practical connotation to it: infernal weapons.

The Fabricated Arbalest is no doubt an infernal weapon of his own design, and that cute little fucker decided to tune these things to do radiant damage:

So not only is he presenting himself as the antithesis of darkness while simultaneously worshipping a dark god, he's dealing "light bringing" weapons of destruction in the same stroke.

Maybe he's being annoyingly poetic, as light is required to cast a shadow-if he opted in for FULL darkness, he might as well be a Sharran. But tyranny requires balance to prevail- the subjugated masses need hope to avoid fully revolting against a tyrannical leader, and toppling regimes- the best way to enact a tyrannical edict, is to convince one's subjects they love their tyranny by pretending to shield them from some terrifying threat (when in reality the true threat is tyranny). Banites know the intricacies of this delicate balance. Gortash can be that hope- he can be the light that reminds the subjugated he's the one to guide them through the darkness.

It highlights his meglomaniacal and duplicitous nature.

He's also paradoxical in nature, because not only is he completely self aware of his own intentional deception, but he also appears to fully subscribe to his own intentions as the correct way to resolve the world's problems.

I don't even think the "Lightbringer" title is supposed to be in the spirit of trickery- he's being literal and sincere when he calls himself such.

I wouldn't even doubt that with his penchant for technology, he would quite literally seek to "bring light" to Faerún. How long has Baldur's Gate been using candles and torches? Why haven't they progressed passed that since...forever?? When you look at the Iron Throne, it has actual lights- not flame!

I don't doubt he honestly planned on progressing Faerún into a technological age that has drastically been held back by what he sees as inefficiencies in leadership, and a lack of unity. In his own fucked up way, he wanted to jumpstart the evolution of technology - not particularly for altruistic reasons, but because he knew he could.

I hate him very very affectionately.

[shiorihyugawrites]

The Devil's Bride

Aurora Jaeger, Eren's long-lost childhood friend, was taken from him when they were children. After years of suffering under Marleyan control, Aurora is reunited with Eren while he’s undercover in Marley, igniting a bond neither of them expected. Despite her gentle nature, Aurora breaks her vow of pacifism to save Eren’s life, solidifying their deep connection. Secretly married before the Raid on Liberio, Aurora is swept into Eren's world of chaos and destruction. As the Scouts learn of her existence, tensions rise on the airship home. Mikasa’s heart shatters, and Levi demands answers. And Eren will stop at nothing to protect the only light left in his dark world—his bride, Aurora.

In this journey of love, loyalty, and war, Aurora must reconcile her innocent heart with the brutal reality of the man she loves, while Eren faces the truth of what he’s become. (Eren x OC)

Chapter Thirty Six

The cold air of the underground prison was thick and suffocating, but Eren ignored it as he strode down the dimly lit hallway. His boots echoed against the stone floor, and his mind raced with questions he couldn’t shake. Aurora’s encounter with the Founder had rattled him more than he cared to admit. If Ymir Fritz herself was seeking out his wife, there had to be a reason.

Eren’s eyes narrowed as he approached Porco’s cell. The faint sound of Levi’s voice grilling Historia in the next room made his jaw clench. He hated this whole situation—how it spiraled out of control. But right now, he needed answers.

Porco sat against the wall of his cell, his arms crossed, looking as disgruntled as ever. When he heard Eren’s footsteps, he glanced up, his golden eyes narrowing.

“What do you want, Jaeger?” Porco muttered, his tone already laced with irritation. “Haven’t you already gotten enough out of me?”

Eren ignored the jab, stepping closer to the bars. His green eyes burned with intensity as he stared down the Jaw Titan shifter. “What do you know about the Founder?”

Porco raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. “The Founder? What kind of question is that?”

“Just answer it,” Eren snapped, his patience already worn thin. “What do you know about Ymir Fritz?”

Porco leaned back against the wall, his gaze sharp and calculating. “Why do you care? You’re the one with the Founder’s power, not me. Shouldn’t you already know everything there is to know?”

Eren’s fists clenched, his temper rising. “Stop playing games, Galliard. Just tell me what you know.”

Porco’s jaw tightened, clearly irritated by Eren’s tone, but he sighed and leaned forward slightly. “Fine. Ymir Fritz—according to Marley’s version of history—was the first Titan. They say she made a deal with the devil to gain her power, and after her death, her body was divided into nine Titans, which were passed down to her descendants.”

Eren’s expression didn’t change, but internally, his mind whirred. This was the same story he’d heard through his father’s memories when Grisha’s parents tried to indoctrinate him with Marleyan propaganda.

“Go on,” Eren said, his voice cold.

Porco shrugged. “That’s all there is to it. In Marley, she’s painted as a demon who cursed the world with her power. But I know that some Eldians see her differently—as some kind of goddess who gave them strength and unity.” His tone turned bitter. “Guess it depends on which side of history you’re on, doesn’t it?”

Eren stayed silent for a moment, his mind drifting back to Grisha’s memories and the Restorationists. They had worshipped Ymir Fritz, viewing her as the savior of the Eldian people, not the demon Marley painted her to be. But the conflicting narratives only deepened Eren’s unease.

“There has to be more,” Eren pressed, his eyes narrowing. “You expect me to believe that’s all Marley knows about Ymir Fritz?”

Porco scowled. “That’s all I know, alright? I’m not some historian. They only tell us what they want us to know. You think they’d share the full truth with someone like me?”

Eren’s lips pressed into a thin line. He wanted to believe Porco was holding something back, but the frustration in his voice seemed genuine. Still, it wasn’t enough.

“You’re useless,” Eren muttered, turning away.

Porco’s eyes flared with anger, and he stood, gripping the bars of his cell. “You think you’re so high and mighty, don’t you, Jaeger? You think you’re the only one with the weight of the world on your shoulders? Newsflash: you’re not. We’re all trapped in this mess, and your arrogance isn’t helping anyone.”

Eren stopped, glancing over his shoulder. “Then prove me wrong,” he said coldly. “You claim to care about Historia, about the Eldians in Marley. Start acting like it and give me something I can use.”

Porco’s grip on the bars tightened, but he didn’t respond. Instead, he leaned back and crossed his arms again, his expression hard. “I told you everything I know. Take it or leave it.”

Eren didn’t reply, his jaw tight as he turned and walked away. The sound of Historia’s voice being questioned by Levi next door echoed faintly through the halls, adding to the tension that weighed heavy in the air.

His thoughts spiraled as he climbed the stairs, heading back to the surface. Aurora’s royal blood, her connection to the Paths, and Ymir Fritz’s inexplicable interest in her—none of it made sense. And now, more than ever, Eren felt the pressure to unravel these mysteries before it was too late. If Zeke, Marley, or anyone else found out about Aurora’s true heritage, she would become an even bigger target, and Eren couldn’t let that happen.

Whatever Ymir Fritz wanted, whatever the truth behind the Founder’s power, Eren was determined to find it. For Aurora’s sake. For their future child. And for the freedom of Paradis Island.

But If Aurora had actually been in Zeke’s body like she claimed…wouldn’t that mean that Zeke already knew about her royal lineage? 

Eren’s mind felt like a storm, his thoughts tangled in a web of fear and uncertainty. Aurora’s connection to Paths and her temporary presence in Zeke’s body—it was more than unsettling. If Zeke had figured out Aurora’s royal bloodline, she was in danger. The risk to Aurora, their unborn child, and the fragile stability of their plans was far too great.

But before Eren could dwell further, the door to the interrogation room creaked open. Levi emerged first, his sharp eyes scanning the hallway, and then Historia followed closely behind. She looked utterly drained, her shoulders slumped, her usual composure cracked under the weight of Levi’s relentless questioning.

Levi stepped aside, gesturing curtly for her to leave. His expression was unreadable, but his body language carried the tension of someone who wasn’t entirely satisfied.

Eren’s gaze locked on Historia, his jaw tightening as he watched her shuffle out. “Did her story check out?” he asked Levi without preamble, his voice low and sharp.

Levi crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe. “For the most part,” he replied coolly. “Her story matches Galliard’s��down to the sneaking off to play Romeo and Juliet in the woods instead of focusing on any actual solutions.”

Eren’s lips curled into a faint sneer, but Levi wasn’t done.

“She claims she wasn’t influenced by him, and there’s no indication she was compromised. But that doesn’t mean I’m letting my guard down.” His steel-gray eyes flicked toward Historia’s retreating form. “She’s a liability right now, whether we like it or not.”

Eren clenched his fists. He wanted to trust Historia—she’d been his ally through thick and thin. But her recent actions, the secrecy, the risk she took with Porco—it left a sour taste in his mouth.

Historia stopped a few steps away, her back to them. Her voice was quiet when she spoke. “I’ve told you everything, Captain. I didn’t do this to betray any of you. I thought…I thought I was helping.”

Levi’s gaze didn’t waver. “Helping would’ve been telling us what was going on from the start, not sneaking around with an enemy shifter for months.” His tone wasn’t harsh, but it was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Historia turned to face them, her eyes tired but resolute. “I know I made mistakes. But I was trying to find another way. Something better than the Rumbling. We all know what it will mean if we go through with it.”

Eren stepped forward, his voice cutting through the air. “And did you find something? Did you and Porco come up with a miracle plan while you were out there?”

Historia’s lips parted as if to answer, but no words came out. Her silence was answer enough, and Eren let out a harsh breath, shaking his head.

“That’s what I thought,” he muttered, turning away.

Levi watched the exchange with a raised brow before speaking. “She’s still the queen. We need her. But if she pulls anything else like this…” He didn’t finish the sentence, but the weight of his words hung heavy in the air. Historia flinched but nodded, understanding the unspoken threat.

Eren didn’t respond. His thoughts were already elsewhere, tangled with the implications of Aurora’s connection to Paths and the danger it posed. Levi placed a hand on his shoulder, drawing his attention back.

“Whatever’s going on with you, Jaeger, you need to keep your head straight,” Levi said firmly. “We can’t afford to lose focus now.”

Eren nodded, though his mind was far from settled. As Historia quietly made her way down the hall, Levi straightened and turned back to Eren.

“Keep Aurora in line too,” Levi added. “She’s too emotional right now. That’s a problem.”

Eren’s glare was immediate, but Levi didn’t flinch. The captain simply raised an eyebrow before walking off, leaving Eren to simmer in his thoughts.

Eren exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. He needed to think—about Aurora, about Zeke, about the Founder. The weight of it all pressed on his chest, suffocating in its intensity.

“Eren, wait!”

Eren stopped mid-step, hearing Historia call out his name behind him. Levi turned around as well, his sharp eyes narrowing as he crossed his arms and waited. Historia’s hesitation was evident; her fingers twisted the fabric of her dress, and she looked down, as though the weight of the moment pressed down on her shoulders.

“I need to say something,” she started, her voice small but firm.

Eren sighed, his shoulders tense. “What is it, Historia?” His tone was sharp, but there was an undercurrent of frustration that cut deeper than the words themselves. “If this is another excuse, I’m not interested.”

Her gaze flickered up to meet his, and she hesitated again before speaking. “I know I’ve disappointed you. I’ve disappointed everyone. And I’m sorry for that.” Her voice wavered slightly, but she steadied it. “But I didn’t do this out of malice or to betray anyone. I just wanted to help.”

Eren’s expression hardened. “You didn’t help, Historia. You and Porco spent months sneaking around, putting everyone at risk, and for what? You didn’t even come up with a plan.”

Levi stood silently beside Eren, watching the interaction with his usual cold detachment, though his brow twitched at Eren’s bluntness.

Historia’s cheeks flushed with shame, but she pressed forward. “You’re right. We failed. But…there’s something I didn’t tell you before.” She glanced nervously between Eren and Levi, her voice lowering. “It’s not much, and I didn’t bring it up earlier because…because I thought you’d think I was foolish for even considering it.”

Levi raised an eyebrow but said nothing, allowing her to continue. Eren crossed his arms, his jaw tightening as he gestured impatiently for her to speak.

Taking a deep breath, Historia explained. “Porco mentioned something…something that could potentially change the playing field for us. He said that Marley and other countries around the world place immense value on one thing from Paradis: the iceburst stone.”

Levi’s posture straightened slightly, his eyes narrowing in curiosity, but Eren’s frown deepened.

“And?” Eren prompted, his tone skeptical.

“Porco thinks we could use the stone as leverage,” Historia said quickly. “If we offered it to other nations in exchange for military support, we might be able to secure real allies. Allies who could help us fight against Marley.”

The silence that followed was heavy, punctuated only by the faint creak of the floorboards beneath them. Levi’s gaze was unreadable, though his fingers tapped against his arm as he considered her words. Eren, however, looked unconvinced.

“And you think they’d just jump at the chance to help us?” Eren asked flatly. “The same nations that have hated us for generations? The same ones that see us as devils?”

Historia nodded, though her resolve wavered. “I know it sounds far-fetched. But the iceburst stone is valuable—more valuable than we can imagine. The Azumabitos from Hizuru for example.  Porco said they’d already expressed interest in it while they were in Marley. If we can show the other nations that we have something they need, something Marley doesn’t, it could change everything.”

Levi finally spoke, his voice low and skeptical. “You’re assuming these nations won’t just take the stone for themselves and leave us in the dirt.”

“I know it’s a risk,” Historia admitted, her voice trembling slightly. “But what other choice do we have? The Rumbling… it’s genocide, Eren. If there’s even the slightest chance that this plan could work, isn’t it worth trying?”

Eren’s eyes bore into hers, and for a moment, it seemed as though he might lash out.. He turned away, running a hand through his hair as he let out a slow breath.

“Captain?” Eren asked without looking back. “What do you think?”

Levi’s gaze flicked to Historia, then back to Eren. “It’s risky. No guarantee it’ll work. But she’s not wrong—if the stone’s valuable enough, it could get their attention.”

Eren crossed his arms tightly, his jaw clenched as he stared at the ground in frustration. The idea of handing over Paradis’ most precious resource—the iceburst stone—to nations that already viewed them as devils didn’t sit well with him. His mind raced as he thought about all the ways this could go wrong.

“They’ll stab us in the back the first chance they get,” Eren said firmly, his voice sharp. He turned his steely gaze to Historia. “You think they’ll suddenly see us as allies just because we give them something they want? No. They’ll take the stone, thank us with empty promises, and then use whatever we gave them to wipe us out.”

Historia stood her ground, her hands clenched at her sides. “You don’t know that, Eren. Not for certain. You never know unless you try.”

Eren’s eyes narrowed, his frustration bubbling to the surface. “I don’t have to try to know how this will end. They’ve hated us for generations, Historia. The only thing they understand is power—and we have the Founding Titan. That’s the only leverage we need.”

Levi, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. “Power is one thing. Strategy is another.” His voice was calm but carried the weight of someone who had seen too many plans crumble under poor assumptions. He looked between Eren and Historia, his expression unreadable. “You’re both right, in your own ways.”

Eren shot him a look, the tension clear in his stance. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Levi met his gaze evenly. “It means I don’t trust those nations either. But I also know we can’t afford to put all our faith in one plan—especially one as destructive as the Rumbling. If it fails, there’s no second chance. It’s all or nothing.”

Historia nodded, her expression firm despite the tension in the room. “Captain’s right. The Rumbling is a last resort. We have to try every other option first, no matter how small the odds are.”

Eren let out a sharp breath, running a hand through his hair. “And if this gamble fails, then what? We’ll have wasted resources we can’t afford to lose, and we’ll still be right where we started—cornered and out of time.”

Levi’s gaze flicked to Eren, and for a moment, his expression softened, though his voice remained steady. “I think about what Erwin would do,” he said quietly. “And I know he’d take the gamble. He was the kind of man who believed in betting on the impossible, even if it meant risking everything.”

Eren’s jaw tightened at the mention of Erwin. The weight of his legacy was not lost on him, but the reminder didn’t sway his resolve. “Commander Erwin isn’t here anymore,” he said simply. “And I’m not going to risk the future of Paradis on a plan that might as well be a suicide mission.”

Levi’s expression darkened slightly. “Then we gather the others and put it to a vote.”

Historia looked at Eren, her eyes pleading. “Please, Eren. At least hear what everyone has to say. This isn’t just your decision.”

Eren’s frustration flared, but he managed to swallow it, his fists tightening at his sides. He gave a sharp nod, his voice low and clipped. “Fine. Let’s vote. But don’t expect me to sit quietly if this plan puts us in more danger.”

Levi glanced at Historia, then back at Eren. “We’ll call the others. But remember, this isn’t about what’s easiest. It’s about what gives us the best chance to survive.”

With that, Levi turned on his heel, heading toward the door to summon the rest of the group. Historia lingered for a moment, her gaze lingering on Eren as though she wanted to say more. But when he didn’t meet her eyes, she sighed and followed Levi, leaving Eren alone with his thoughts.

Eren stared at the ground, his mind racing. He didn’t trust this plan. He didn’t trust the nations outside their walls. But he couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling that he was missing something—a solution that was just out of reach. For now, he would listen to the others, but his resolve remained steadfast.

The Rumbling was still the only option he believed in.

…

Meanwhile, Mikasa’s boots barely made a sound as she walked down the corridor leading toward Eren and Aurora’s quarters. Her thoughts were swirling with disbelief. Aurora and Historia, lying for months? Mikasa could barely wrap her head around it. She always considered Aurora as someone who valued loyalty—but keeping such a dangerous secret had shaken her faith.

As Mikasa rounded the corner, she stopped abruptly. Her sharp eyes immediately spotted Floch standing near Eren and Aurora’s quarters with two Jaegerists flanking him. They were huddled together, speaking in low voices, but Mikasa’s sharp ears caught snippets of the conversation.

“…Aurora… liability… distraction,” Floch muttered, his voice laced with disdain. His words were like poison, and Mikasa’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

Without hesitation, she stepped forward, her voice cold and firm. “What are you doing here, Floch?”

Floch turned to her, his expression darkening. “What does it look like, Ackerman?” he shot back. “I’m keeping watch.”

Mikasa folded her arms, her posture rigid and commanding. “Watch on who? Aurora? What gives you the right to be here talking about her like that?”

Floch straightened, his fiery gaze locking with Mikasa’s. “What gives me the right? The fact that I care about Paradis surviving. Aurora’s lies could’ve gotten us all killed. Historia lied, and Levi interrogated her for hours, but Aurora lies, and Eren lets her off with a slap on the wrist? She’s a liability. A distraction.”

Mikasa’s jaw tightened, and her eyes glinted with a dangerous edge. “Watch your mouth, Floch. You don’t get to talk about Aurora that way.”

“Why not?” Floch snapped, his voice rising in defiance. “She’s a liar, Mikasa! She put us all at risk because she wanted to ‘help’ her friend. And now, Eren—our only hope—can’t think straight because he’s too busy playing house with her. You know I’m right.”

Mikasa’s temper flared, but she kept her voice measured, her words sharp as a blade. “You’re out of line. Eren already dealt with Aurora. It’s not your place to judge her or decide what happens next.”

Floch scoffed, taking a step closer to her. The Jaegerists behind him shifted uncomfortably, sensing the tension. “I’m out of line? I’m the only one here thinking clearly. While you, Levi, and Hange waste time with alternatives, I’m trying to make sure nothing jeopardizes the mission. Aurora’s lies jeopardized everything.”

Mikasa stepped closer, her presence overwhelming. “The only thing jeopardizing anything right now is your arrogance, Floch. Aurora isn’t your concern. She’s Eren’s wife, and you will show her the respect she deserves.”

Floch’s face twisted in frustration, but before he could say more, one of the Jaegerists tried to diffuse the situation. “Uh, maybe we should—”

“Stay out of this,” Floch snapped, cutting the man off. His gaze flicked back to Mikasa, his anger barely contained. “You think I don’t know what you’re doing, Mikasa? You’re defending her because she’s Eren’s wife. But that doesn’t make her untouchable.”

Mikasa’s hands twitched, itching to grab her blades, but she held her ground. Her voice dropped, low and menacing. “Aurora has already been through enough. She doesn’t need you making things worse. You hunted me and Captain Levi for weeks, Floch. And now you’re standing here pretending you care about loyalty? Hypocrite.”

Floch’s face turned red with anger. “I hunted you because you tried to kill Eren! If it weren’t for me, you and Levi would’ve succeeded, and Paradis would’ve been finished. Everything I’ve done, I’ve done for Paradis.”

Mikasa’s voice cut through the air like a knife. “You don’t get to justify your actions by claiming you’re the only one protecting Paradis. We’re all trying to survive this war. But your paranoia isn’t helping anyone. So back off.”

The tension between them was palpable, but Floch didn’t back down. His eyes burned with defiance, but Mikasa’s unwavering presence kept him from stepping closer.

The tension in the corridor was suffocating as Floch’s voice rose, meeting Mikasa’s sharp retorts head-on. The Jaegerists standing behind Floch shifted nervously, clearly uneasy with the heated exchange. The sound of the argument must have carried, because the door to Eren and Aurora’s quarters suddenly creaked open, halting the confrontation.

Aurora stepped out cautiously, her face pale and her red, tear-streaked eyes betraying her fragile emotional state. Her hair was slightly disheveled, and her hands trembled as she rested one on the doorframe for support. Her gaze flickered between Mikasa and Floch, piecing together the tension immediately.

“What’s going on out here?” Aurora asked, her voice quiet but firm, though the shake in her tone was hard to miss.

Floch turned toward her sharply, his glare cutting like a blade. His jaw tightened, and the disdain in his eyes was impossible to hide. Aurora froze for a moment under his intense scrutiny, but then she lifted her chin and straightened her back, refusing to let him see her unease. She wasn’t about to let Floch intimidate her, no matter how much he clearly loathed her.

“Nothing you need to concern yourself with,” Floch said coldly, his tone dripping with derision. “Go back inside.”

Aurora’s brow furrowed, and her lips tightened into a thin line. She could feel the anger rising in her chest. “I’ll decide what concerns me, thank you,” she replied, her voice gaining strength despite her exhaustion. Her piercing gaze met Floch’s head-on, and for a moment, neither looked away.

The two locked eyes in a silent battle of wills. Floch’s glare burned with a mixture of frustration and hatred, while Aurora’s defiance flared, even as the weight of the previous night’s events clung to her like a shroud.

Mikasa stepped forward, planting herself firmly between Floch and Aurora. “That’s enough,” she snapped, her voice cutting through the tension like a whip. “Floch, leave. Now.”

Floch sneered but didn’t argue further, though his anger was palpable. He motioned to the two Jaegerists behind him, and they reluctantly began to follow him down the corridor. As he passed Aurora, he muttered something under his breath, low enough that only she could hear: “You’re a liability.”

Aurora’s expression hardened, her knuckles whitening as she gripped the doorframe. She refused to give him the satisfaction of a reaction, but his words left a bitter sting in her chest.

Floch glanced over his shoulder one last time before disappearing around the corner. His mind raced with dark thoughts. In his eyes, Aurora was a ticking time bomb, someone who had already jeopardized their mission and could do so again. She was weak, emotional, and worst of all, a distraction to Eren. If she stayed, it was only a matter of time before she caused more damage. Floch was certain of one thing: Aurora Jaeger needed to go.

Back in the corridor, the tension lingered like a heavy fog. Aurora finally let out a shaky breath and glanced at Mikasa. “Was that about me?” she asked quietly, though she already knew the answer.

Mikasa sighed, her sharp features softening slightly as she turned to Aurora. “Don’t let him get to you. Floch doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

Aurora nodded, but the encounter left her rattled. She stepped back into the room, glancing once more at Mikasa before closing the door behind her. She leaned against the door, her heart pounding. The Founder’s strange appearance, her guilt about lying to Eren, and now Floch’s barely veiled hostility were all pressing down on her like a weight she couldn’t shake.

Mikasa remained in the corridor for a moment, watching the closed door. Her jaw clenched as she turned to follow the direction Floch had gone, determined to keep an eye on him. He was dangerous, and his grudge against Aurora was becoming a problem they couldn’t afford to ignore.

…

Across the sea in Marley, the atmosphere in the war room was suffocating as Pieck and Reiner presented their plan to the Marleyan generals. The tension was palpable, each word they spoke carefully chosen as they laid out their strategy. Reiner’s voice was steady, but there was an undercurrent of desperation that he couldn’t quite hide.

“The older Eldians in the Internment Zone are a resource,” Pieck said, her tone calm but persuasive. “Sending them to Paradis as weapons will allow us to weaken the island without risking valuable soldiers or wasting time and resources with execution.”

Magath leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes narrowing as he studied Pieck. “Interesting how you two suddenly came up with this plan. How exactly did you hear about the Internment Zone cleanup, Pieck?”

Pieck’s expression didn’t waver, her signature calm facade intact. “Commander, it’s no secret that Marley has been considering drastic measures to handle the Eldian population. Reiner and I simply saw an opportunity to turn a liability into an asset.”

Magath’s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, his suspicion evident. He hadn’t forgotten his suspicion on her lingering near the war room door weeks ago. “And what guarantees do we have that this plan won’t backfire? That Paradis won’t find a way to counter this surprise attack?”

Reiner stepped in, his voice firm. “The element of surprise is on our side. The Eldians transformed into titans will wreak havoc the moment they land. Paradis has no way of knowing this is coming, and even if they manage to fight back, the damage will already be done.”

The other generals exchanged wary glances. Calvi, sitting at the head of the table, looked skeptical. “Why not just blow them up as planned? That seems more efficient.”

Pieck leaned forward, her eyes sharp and calculating. “Because a direct attack like this demonstrates Marley’s strength and ingenuity. It’s not just about efficiency—it’s about making a statement to Paradis and the world. Let them see what happens when you defy Marley.”

Magath let out a grunt, clearly unconvinced but unable to find a flaw in their logic. “It’s risky. And it’s odd that you two seem so invested in this plan. Almost as if you’re hiding something.”

Pieck’s heart skipped a beat, but she didn’t let it show. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, her voice as smooth as ever. “We’re soldiers of Marley, Commander. This is about ensuring victory.”

Magath didn’t reply, his gaze still heavy on her. Calvi finally broke the silence. “Fine. We’ll proceed with your plan. The older Eldians will be sent on ships to Paradis. Zeke will handle the transformation once they arrive.”

Reiner and Pieck exchanged a quick, subtle glance, their relief masked by their stoic expressions. They had done it—convinced the generals to go along with their plan. But the real challenge was still ahead.

…

Later that night, Pieck and Reiner met with Zeke in a secluded room away from prying ears. Zeke sat on a worn chair, his elbows resting on his knees as he listened to their plan.

“You want me to pretend to follow through with the plan and then sabotage it?” Zeke asked, his tone skeptical. “Do you have any idea how much danger this puts me in?”

“We’re out of options,” Pieck said firmly. “If we don’t act now, our families are as good as dead. Marley won’t hesitate to execute the older Eldians, and you know it.”

Reiner nodded, his voice heavy with determination. “We need you, Zeke. You’re the only one who can pull this off. Once the ships reach Paradis, don’t scream. We’ll overpower the Marleyan navy and make it look like an attack from the island.”

Zeke leaned back, rubbing his temples as he processed their words. “And then what? You think Paradis is just going to welcome you with open arms? You’ll be lucky if they don’t kill you on sight.”

Pieck’s calm demeanor cracked slightly, desperation flickering in her eyes. “We know the risks, but Paradis is our only chance. No other place in the world will take in Eldian refugees.”

“And Porco is still there,” Reiner added. “He’s been on Paradis for months now, and from what we’ve seen, he seems to have bonded with Queen Historia. That connection might buy us some goodwill.”

Zeke let out a heavy sigh, his mind racing. He wasn’t thrilled about being roped into this reckless plan, but he understood their desperation. 

“Fine,” Zeke said finally. “I’ll do it. But if this plan fails, we’re all dead.”

Pieck and Reiner nodded, their resolve unwavering. They knew the stakes, and they were willing to risk everything to save their people.

Zeke watched Pieck and Reiner leave with determination etched into their faces, their plan seemingly set in motion. Their confidence was brimming over, and for a moment, Zeke allowed himself a bitter smile. They truly thought they were saving their people, carving a sliver of hope from the chaos. But Zeke knew better.

As the door clicked shut, Zeke leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled under his chin as his mind churned. He couldn’t let their plan succeed. The thought of Paradis gaining more strength, more allies—even shifters like Pieck and Reiner—was a threat to everything he had worked for. His euthanization plan required precision, and any deviation, any strengthening of Paradis, would endanger it.

Zeke took a deep breath, a calm yet cold resolve settling over him. War had no room for sentiment.

The first piece of the puzzle was already in place: the Eldians in the Internment Zone. Pieck and Reiner’s plan to use them as weapons played perfectly into his hands. All Zeke had to do was follow through—not with their plan, but his own. He would ensure that when the time came, his scream would echo across the battlefield, transforming those Eldians into pure titans.

He tapped his fingers on the wooden table, his gaze fixed on the faint flicker of the oil lamp beside him. They thought they could use him, that he was just another piece on their board.

The irony was almost laughable.

“Liberating them,” Zeke murmured to himself, his voice low and contemplative. “That’s all this is. They’ll be free from this cycle of suffering, free from this endless hatred.” His tone hardened. “Reiner and Pieck...they don’t understand. They’re too attached to their families, their friends. They can’t see the bigger picture.”

Zeke stood and began pacing the room, his thoughts spiraling. He had nothing personal against either of them, but their misguided ideals made them obstacles. And obstacles in war were meant to be removed. If the transformed Eldians overwhelmed them and killed them, it wouldn’t be Zeke’s fault. It would just be war.

He tried to push away the faint pang of guilt gnawing at the edge of his mind. Reiner and Pieck were comrades, yes, but comradeship meant nothing when weighed against the salvation of the Eldian people. His plan would end the endless cycle of hatred and suffering. If that meant sacrificing a few, even those he considered allies, so be it.

As for the Eldians destined to drink his spinal fluid, Zeke didn’t see their deaths as a loss. They were already condemned to a life of suffering in the Internment Zone. Turning them into titans was, in his eyes, an act of mercy. Their deaths would serve a greater purpose—a purpose they could never achieve in life.

“They’ll never know peace,” he muttered to himself. “Not in this world. Not in this lifetime.”

His mind flashed to Paradis, to the threat Eren represented. Zeke was sure his younger brother was still under the delusion that freedom could be achieved through power, through violence. But Eren didn’t understand the cost of his choices. Zeke was the only one who truly understood what had to be done.

Zeke’s next steps had to be careful, calculated. He needed to ensure Pieck and Reiner remained none the wiser. They were sharp, especially Pieck, but they trusted him enough to overlook certain inconsistencies. That trust would be their downfall.

He would wait until the ships carrying the Eldians reached Paradis, just as the plan dictated. But instead of feigning an attack or pretending to lose, Zeke would release his scream, transforming the Eldians into pure titans. The chaos that followed would be devastating, and the surprise would leave both Paradis and Pieck’s faction scrambling.

Zeke clenched his fists, his resolve solidifying. He didn’t need Pieck and Reiner alive to complete his mission.

As he returned to his chair, he allowed himself a rare moment of reflection. The pieces were moving, the board was set. Pieck and Reiner had no idea they were being played. In their minds, they were saviors, but in reality, they were pawns in a game far larger than they could comprehend.

“This is war,” Zeke whispered, staring at the faint glow of the oil lamp. His tone was cold, detached. “And war doesn’t care about loyalty.”

But as confident as he was in his plan, there were three undeniable threats on Paradis Island that haunted him.

1. Eren Jaeger

Zeke had always known his little brother possessed a fierce determination, but the sheer intensity of it chilled him to the core. Eren’s drive was unlike anything Zeke had ever encountered. It wasn’t just ambition or resolve—it was an unyielding force of nature, as if Eren’s very existence was dedicated to breaking free from the chains that bound him. Zeke had seen glimpses of it in the battlefield, in the cold, calculated way Eren moved forward with his plans, no matter the cost.

But what truly unnerved Zeke was Eren’s fixation on making contact with him. Eren wouldn’t stop until he had Zeke in his grasp, and Zeke knew it. The thought of his younger brother’s singular focus sent shivers down his spine. He wasn’t dealing with just a man—he was dealing with a force.

“Eren…” Zeke murmured, his voice barely audible in the quiet room. 

The intel Marley had gathered suggested that Eren’s loyalty lay with Paradis, but Zeke wasn’t so sure. He’d seen the way Eren operated, the cold calculation in his eyes. Was Eren truly fighting for Paradis, or was he fighting for something much larger—something only Eren himself could see? The thought unsettled Zeke. What would happen if Eren succeeded in activating the Rumbling? Could anyone stop him?

2. Captain Levi Ackerman

Zeke’s hands unconsciously tightened into fists as he thought of the infamous Captain Levi. The memory of their last encounter was burned into his mind—the speed, the precision, the sheer ferocity of Levi’s attacks. Zeke had never felt more powerless than in those moments when the captain had sliced him apart like he was nothing more than a practice dummy.

Zeke still bore the scars, not just on his body but in his mind. He would never forget the feeling of Levi’s blade slicing through him, the look of cold, unrelenting determination in the captain’s eyes.

Even now, Zeke could hear Levi’s voice, calm yet menacing, as if the man was always on the verge of delivering the killing blow. And the worst part? Levi didn’t need titan powers. His strength was more than enough and that made him all the more terrifying.

“He’s probably already sharpening his blades,” Zeke muttered bitterly. He could picture Levi’s steely gaze, the quiet, methodical way he prepared for battle. Levi didn’t just want to defeat him—Levi wanted to end him.

Zeke knew that if he ever crossed paths with the captain again, it would be a fight to the death. And this time, Zeke wasn’t sure he would survive.

3. Aurora Jaeger

Of all the threats on Paradis, Aurora Jaeger was the one Zeke understood the least—and that made her the most dangerous.

Zeke leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping nervously on the armrest. Aurora wasn’t just an ordinary person. She was a member of the royal family and Ymir Fritz herself had brought Aurora to the Paths. That fact alone was enough to terrify Zeke. Why would the Founder, the source of all Eldian power, personally seek out Aurora?

And then there was the incident in the Paths. Zeke could still feel the jarring, alien sensation of Aurora inhabiting his body, if only for a brief moment. It was as if Ymir herself had forced their fates to intertwine. The memory made his skin crawl. How was it even possible? What was Ymir trying to do?

Zeke clenched his jaw, his mind racing with questions. Aurora was an enigma, a puzzle he couldn’t solve. Was she merely a pawn in Ymir’s grand design, or was she something more? Did she even understand the power she held?

“Eren’s wife…” Zeke whispered, his voice tinged with unease. “What are you hiding?”

Zeke knew one thing for certain: Aurora wasn’t someone he could afford to ignore. If Ymir Fritz was watching her closely, then Aurora was likely tied to something far greater than any of them could comprehend. And that made her a wild card in an already volatile situation.

Zeke stood and began pacing the room, his mind a whirlwind of fear and strategy. Three threats, each more unpredictable and dangerous than the last. Eren, Levi, Aurora—each represented a different kind of danger, and Zeke knew he couldn’t afford to underestimate any of them.

Eren’s relentless drive could upend everything. Levi’s unmatched skill could end Zeke’s life in an instant. And Aurora…Aurora was the unknown, the variable that could change the entire game.

“Paths…” Zeke muttered, his voice barely audible. “Ymir Fritz…Aurora…”

The pieces were moving, the board was set, but Zeke wasn’t sure who was in control anymore. Was it him? Was it Eren? Or was it the mysterious force of Ymir Fritz herself, pulling the strings from the shadows?

Zeke stopped pacing and stared out the window, his expression grim. War was a game of survival, and the odds were stacked against him.

For the first time in years, Zeke felt something he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in a long time: fear.

~

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[sammakesart]

You Will Be the Death of Me (Illario & Sancia)

Sancia and Illario meet for the first time when they are ten and eleven, respectively. It’s barely a look and a nod of recognition, but they instantly see a kindred spirit in the other. Like calling to like. Unfortunately, Sancia is here to meet Lucanis. 

A betrothal is discussed between their Houses, Balazar and Dellamorte. Caterina Dellamorte, First Talon of the Antivan Crows, on one side of the table, Juan Balazar, Second Talon, on the other. Both of their Houses are old and powerful. They could be more powerful still together. 

Their alliance will bring stability, Juan claims with his most charming smile. There have been many years of unrest and upheaval for the Crows, the assassins’ guild that all but rules Antiva. All because of the “Black Shadow”, or so they call themself. Killing Talons. Sewing malcontent. A show of unity and strength is what they need.

It is decided Sancia will wed Lucanis upon her eighteenth year. Sancia makes a face. Lucanis remains silent. Illario laughs—and earns a swift crack from his grandmother’s crow-headed cane for the disruption.

In truth, Caterina has no real intention of marrying her precious Lucanis to Sancia. The girl reminds her far too much of Sancia’s great aunt, Elvira. Same dark red hair, same even darker eyes. Caterina does not want to think of Elvira Balazar ever again. 

All the same, Sancia and Lucanis are forced to meet once a year at the Dellamorte Villa. Caterina playing along to keep Juan Balazar under heel, at least for the time being. Perhaps Lucanis will get some practice wooing a pretty girl, Caterina reasons.  

Lucanis mainly talks about wyverns, if he talks at all. Sancia doesn’t have much of an opinion on wyverns. Or Lucanis. She’s far more interested in seeing Illario, who often sneaks in to join their awkward luncheons or prearranged outings. 

When Sancia and Illario are thirteen and fourteen, respectively, they are caught kissing in the gardens by Caterina and Juan. 

Caterina feigns outrage and calls off the betrothal. This saves her from having to come up with an excuse herself. 

Illario gets a bloody lip and bruised ribs for the kiss, as well as a week in a dark, cold cellar room. It was worth it, he thinks. 

Sancia only has to live with her father’s disappointment and cold shoulder for a fortnight. 

When they see one another again, and Sancia sees the fading bruises on Illario’s face, it is the first time Sancia thinks she hates Caterina Dellamorte. It will not be the last. 

***

Late one night, Sancia overhears her father talking to her eldest brother, Dante. Caterina’s antiquated style of leadership will be the death of the Crows, he says. They need to find another way. Sancia slips away before they spot her.

***

Years pass. Sancia and Illario continue to meet in secret. Their favorite spot is a certain rooftop overlooking the Rialto Bay. Illario sometimes finds his way to her after a particularly brutal “lesson” from his grandmother. They don’t speak of the blood or the breaks or the bruises.

They are fiercely competitive in their fledgling training. A not insignificant reason Illario is as talented  at being a Crow as he is (and he is), is not only because of Caterina’s lessons or Lucanis’s existence, but because he’s always trying to impress—or perhaps outmatch—Sancia. He’s not sure which. 

***

Sancia’s father meets with an elf dressed in all black at the Balazar Villa. They exchange words and coin. She listens from her hiding spot, the one her great aunt Elvira showed her. Before he leaves, the elf looks directly at her. He winks, but says nothing. He has three lines tattooed on the left side of his face. 

***

Sancia informs Illario her father is discussing her betrothal to a merchant prince. They are sixteen and seventeen, respectively. They don’t discuss why this news makes them both angry. Or why they sleep together for the first time soon after. Or why Illario is sure to be seen sneaking from Sancia’s bedroom early the next morning.

Sancia faces her father’s harsh words. Illario gains a few more scars on his back and another week in the cellar with nothing to eat and only the damp condensation on the slimy stone walls for water. It was very much worth it, he thinks. 

The engagement with the merchant prince is abandoned. 

***

The next time they see one another, a clandestine meeting on their rooftop, Sancia notices the hollowness of his cheeks, the way he favors he left side. She brings up running away together for the first time. Illario laughs it off as a joke. Sancia laughs too. 

***

Sancia’s eighteenth birthday comes and goes. She would have been marrying Lucanis, once upon a time. She wouldn’t have minded being a Dellamorte, she thinks. For the right Dellamorte. Or the wrong one. The one presently sleeping soundly beside her, his hair spread out over her pillow. 

Sancia gently moves a stray lock away from his lips, lets her fingers linger over a cut on his high cheekbone that is almost healed. 

She shoves the thought aside. She rolls over and closes her eyes. 

Only then does Illario opens his own. He watches her sleep until first light. 

***

They take every opportunity to make one another jealous, mostly by flirting with the next nearest person when the other is present—at the markets in Treviso, the Cantori Diamond, the coffee house. They frequently find themselves together in a dark corner by the end of the evening, hands roving, lips barely parting. They don’t acknowledge any feelings beyond attraction. 

***

Two years later, Juan Balazar is killed. Dante is made the new Second Talon. Sancia finds herself at Illario’s bedroom window, not sure why this is where her feet led her after the funeral. He holds her the entire night as she cries. 

She asks him to run away with her a second time. He says nothing. When he wakes, she is gone, and only the faint scent of her perfume lingers on his pillow—citrus and jasmine. They never speak of it again. 

***

Sancia and Illario become fully-fledged Crows at twenty and twenty-one, respectively. They both entertain a string of lovers, but find their way back to each other’s beds every time. Illario watches as Sancia grows colder, harder. Bitter. Sancia watches as Illario remains trapped in Luncanis’s shadow, always smiling wide as his eyes stay dead. He calls himself Dellamorte the Lesser before someone else can. He has never been the lesser Dellamorte to her. 

***

Dante starts seeing Teia Cantori, and Sancia and Teia become friends. Teia suspects there is more to the on-and-off-again dalliances between Illario and Sancia, but doesn’t press when Sancia denies it with a too-loud laugh.

***

Prince Ezio Valisti, Third Talon of House Valisti, begins courting Sancia in earnest on her twenty-second birthday. Dante is pleased. Valisti is also an old dynastic House, one of only three. This would align their houses and make them strong against House Dellamorte. And Dante has never hidden the fact he despises the First Talon and her two grandsons. Especially Illario. Ezio and Sancia are both attractive and charming. Both from powerful Houses. Both deadly. A perfect match. A match that could rival House Dellamorte’s place as first.

Illario starts drinking. Heavily. He gets lost in a blur of lovers. He smiles and charms and kills when he’s told. He watches as Sancia and Ezio swan arm in arm around the Cantori Diamond. The way he looks at her… the way she looks at him… Illario is going to be sick. It’s just the cheap wine. He fantasizes about strangling Ezio Valisti to death. 

Teia discovers Illario passed out in the casino one morning. She realizes Dellamorte the Lesser may have a heart after all. She endeavors to be kinder to him, speak up for him with Caterina.

***

Ezio Valisti is found dead. Killed on a job, they say. His second cousin, Lera, becomes Third Talon. After the funeral, Illario finds Sancia on their rooftop, looking out over Rialto Bay. He asks her to run away with him. She says nothing. He tells her he didn’t do it. She remains quiet. He begs and pleads and rages at her to say something. Anything. To just look at him, even in disgust. She kisses him instead. They fuck. There is no other word for it. Illario feels like he’s just been pulled back from a perilous ledge, feet on steady ground once more. 

***

Dante takes on a contract at the suggestion of Caterina Dellamorte, though a suggestion from the First Talon is no suggestion at all. He is to go undercover as a Templar. When he comes back, he is never the same again. The lyrium will always call to him, no matter how many times he tries to ignore its song. Teia ends things with him. Dante cannot blame her. 

Sancia’s hatred of Caterina grows. 

***

Illario and Sancia fight. They don’t speak for a month. Neither of them can recall what the fight was about. Some petty jealousy, most likely. Sancia leaving a party with Vicente Kortez instead of him. Illario gifting Nadia Valisti a string of pearls instead of her. The necklace was ugly anyway. 

***

Sancia wakes one morning and feels ill. Her first thought is poison. Her second… the inevitable consequence of a rooftop tryst. The fight seems so pointless now—instantly forgotten. Sancia tries to see him, but he is absent from his usual haunts. She writes Illario a note, pays a street urchin with her earrings to get it to him. For the first time in her life, she is afraid. She needs to see him. She needs to tell him. She needs him. In the note, she asks to meet. He will know where. 

It is not Illario who is waiting on the rooftop to greet her, but Caterina Dellamorte. Illario is tired of her, the First Talon says. He doesn’t want to see her. Her grandson asked for her help in cleaning up this mess, and she will be cleaning up this mess, for all their sakes. Sancia doesn’t want to believe her, she refuses to believe her, but… Illario is not here. Caterina offers a solution. Sancia goes with her, rides in a carriage across from Caterina Dellamorte to a small clinic in the Drowned District known for being discreet, and walks inside.

True to her word, Caterina takes care of it. She warns Sancia to never contact her grandson again. 

Sancia is sick for three days, in more pain than she ever thought possible. She has a vague memory of Teia sitting by her side. Dante must have begged her to come. Viago won’t be pleased. 

Sancia cries until there are no tears left in her, until she is rung dry. On the fourth day, she rises and begins to plan. 

***

Illario is finally released from the cellar. It has been years since this particular punishment was utilized. The cold has seeped so far into his bones he is not sure he will ever be free of it. His stomach feels like it is trying to eat itself. Lucanis tells him to slow down when he gulps down a bowl of broth in one swallow. Lucanis warns him against putting on his boots. Tries to stop him from grabbing his cloak. But he needs to see her. 

He has found clarity in the darkness of that cell. They will leave. Tonight. With only the clothes on their backs. They don’t need anything else. 

It is only when Lucanis points out he hasn’t bathed in a week that he finally stops. He rubs at the uneven scruff on his face. He can’t let her see him like this.  Luca calls for a tub to brought up to Illario’s room, along with as many buckets of hot water as can be found. 

Perhaps a plan wouldn’t hurt, either. 

***

Illario suspects Sancia may be avoiding him. It has been weeks since he went to find her, and she refused to see him. Months since their stupid argument, whatever it was. He meets her eyes; she looks away. He enters a room; she exits. He sends her flowers. Her favorite perfume. Jewelry. A stiletto inlaid with mother-of-pearl on the hilt. All are returned—except for the dagger. 

Until finally a note from her arrives, smuggled in by a kitchen maid. “Meet me. You know the place.” The note smells of citrus and jasmine. He goes immediately to their roof. 

***

Sancia watches as a figure approaches, as tall as Illario, wearing Illario’s cloak and expensive leather boots. The air carries the scent of Illario’s signature cologne. The docks are quiet this time of night, and the sound of each step echoes in the stillness. 

The man has the wrong gait. The scent is too strong. Sancia considers whether to face the assassin or flee. She feels for her stiletto, wraps her fingers around the mother-of-pearl hilt.

The man who is not Illario charges, and they grapple. He is larger, taller, stronger. But Sancia is quick. She sinks the blade into his side, and the man grunts, but he is able to throw her off balance with a kick to her left knee. A weakness of hers. They fall to the ground in a heap, the old wooden planks groaning under the struggle. The man locks his legs around her, pulling her back to his chest, and the wire in his hands wraps around her throat. The pain burns. She can’t breathe. Her fingers come away sticky with blood as she tries to pull the thin metal from her neck. 

He manages to lean in, his breath hot against her ear. “Illario Dellamorte sends his regards.” 

She recognizes the man after all. Her world grows dim. She is only vaguely aware of being pushed into the bay, the ice cold current pulling her under. She opens her eyes, looks up through the rippling darkness to see a figure toss a bag of coins to her assassin, a cane topped with a crow’s head in the figure’s hand.

She has never hated Caterina Dellamorte more than in this moment. 

Then she feels nothing at all. 

***

Illario waits. The sun rises. He waits, and she never comes. 

At first he is confused. And annoyed. She was playing games. It is only after days pass without any word from her or even of her that he begins to worry. Teia tells him her brother, Rodrigo, is claiming she abandoned the family. Fled into the night. A few of her most precious belongings are missing from her rooms.

Was the meeting only to say goodbye? Did she simply lose her nerve and instead left without a word? Without him? Illario tells himself he doesn’t care. What were they, after all? Lovers? Friends? Foes? Nothing? Everything? He thinks of their first kiss in the gardens of his family home, hiding from his cousin. It was the first time he kissed anyone. He thinks of the first time they shared their bodies with one another, another first of his he gave to her. Perhaps he waited too long to apologize after the fight—and what had it even been about! They fought all the time. They fought more than they did anything else. He loves fighting with her. He loves not fighting with her. He loves—

No. 

Vicente Kortez is reported missing a few days later, and Illario at last burns with rage. She left without him and fled with another man. Memories flash in his mind of Sancia and Vicente entwined together on a couch in the casino, sharing sweet words and sweeter kisses. He curses Vicente’s name. He curses hers. He is glad they are gone.

***

In the spring, a pair of her earrings are found by one of Bolivar Nero’s pearl divers. Dante orders more divers search the bay. Other things of Sancia Balazar are found. Items Illario has seen countless times in her rooms. A silver hairbrush. Her great aunt’s cigarillo case. Her favorite stiletto—a gift from her father on her eighteenth birthday. 

A body would not last long in the bay. There will be no body to find now.

All the rage pours out of him, leaving only an echoing hollowness. She is gone. Dead. 

They hold a funeral for Sancia Balazar. Illario attends. He waits until it is over to start drinking. He doesn’t stop. Caterina rebukes him. Lucanis doesn’t understand him. Viago chastises him. Teia is the only one who shows him any amount of sympathy, though he’s not sure why. 

Late at night, every night, he hunts for some shred of information. A witness. A whisper. Someone to blame. Someone to kill. He finds nothing. 

***

The cracks that had formed between Lucanis and Illario, borne from a childhood of always being compared, always being found wanting, widen into rifts. At least in Illario’s heart. He continues to play the devoted cousin, the charming assassin, the loyal grandson. Dellamorte the Lesser. 

***

The next year, four Talons meet their end in a handful of days. They hold a funeral for Dante Balazar. Rodrigo becomes Second Talon. He is much easier to control than his brother—certainly easier than his father. 

The next Talon to rise from House Valisti, Nadia, is equally biddable. 

New Talons take their places in Houses Kortez and Arainai as well, though those Houses were always weak, one misstep from falling into ruin, only to be replaced by a lower House, one ready to rise to the task of Talon of the Antivan Crows. 

Caterina has wrested power back from the brink once again. And one day, this will all belong to Lucanis, if she has her way. 

***

She does not see Illario’s jealousy fester. Does not see how his heart fully, finally blackens. He has nothing left to lose and everything to gain. He falls into bed with the wrong woman—or perhaps the right one. A moment of pillow talk, tongue loosened by wine—or perhaps magic, he’ll never be sure—removes his cousin from his path permanently. Or so he is lead to believe. 

He will decide what to do with his grandmother later. After he is Talon. Perhaps then he’ll find the strength the wield the knife the way he couldn’t with Lucanis. He will only have to think of every biting word from her tongue, every sharp strike of her cane, every minute in that cursed cellar.

***

When Illario stands before the whole of the Antivan Crows to accept the title of First Talon, he gives a speech. He scans the crowd gathered in the wings. He feels Teia and Viago’s stare heavy on his back. He looks up, sees a woman with dark red hair, even darker eyes, watching him. Sancia. He blinks, looks again. She’s gone. 

It’s fitting, he thinks. That her ghost should haunt him at this moment. Would she be proud of him? Would she have stood by his side as he took the mantle of First Talon? Perhaps after he groveled for seducing the blood mage to aid him in his plot. Would he even have had to turn to a Venatori, had Sancia been alive? Would she be Second Talon now? 

They could have ruled the Crows as its King and Queen.

A fanciful dream. A foolish dream. She is dead, and a part of him died with her. 

The door opens. Lucanis enters the room, his voice ringing out. It is to be a day of ghosts, it seems. 

Eventually, he is brought to his knees. Lucanis is no ghost. 

As he is being lead away, he looks up again. Has her specter witnessed his humiliation? Their eyes meet. He blinks. She remains. He blinks again. Sancia tilts her head, burgundy waves slipping over her pale shoulder. A velvet ribbon is tied around the column of her neck. Her name catches in his throat. 

She is no ghost either. 

[sopaprimordialy]

Boppers, hear me out.

Victor is Luther's father.

Ok, now, you might be thinking: "what the actual fuck are you talking about?" Well, in this essay I'll expose favorable arguments to my theory/theses/head canon that, in the album, captain Victor is Luther's father. Keep your radio tuned tight, boppers, bcs I might be crazy OR I might be onto something.

(There will be spoilers)

1. First of all...

For context, Victor is the cop that kills Fox. He's played by David Patrick Kelly, the actor who plays Luther in the original movie, The Warriors (1979). This alone is a huge reason for me to believe that they are somehow connected, BUT THERE'S MORE!

I think we already established that what a character claims to be their reason for doing something is not always their real reasoning, or, at least, not the entirety of it. I do believe Luther kills Cyrus because he enjoys the chaos and has a lot of hate in his heart, as Swan wisely says, but I don't think that's all.

We have hints among his lines that he's also misogynistic and racist. "Well, duh?" You might say, because there were few white men who weren't those things by the time this story takes place, but sometimes we may underestimate how heavy this stuff weighs in the narrative. If he really likes chaos that much, why not kill, Idk, a police captain? That would certainly create generalized chaos just as he likes, but instead, he deliberately targets marginalized groups' leadership — he kills a black woman, a powerful black woman who was trying to unite her community.

She was obviously an obstacle for the cops to keep up with their oppression towards these groups because unity is strength, and all they don't want is strong communities that knows their rights and won't accept to be chased down like animals when they've done nothing but trying to survive.

In the very first track of the album, the question "but is Cyrus atractin' police action?" Is asked. The answer we find further on, especially when the police invades Van Cortlandt Park right after she's killed, is: *yes*, of course she is.

* Also, the timing here is too convenient, don't you think? Just like the police knew exactly when to attack, when the desperate crowd would be disorganized, when they would be easy prey... anyways 😛

2. That weird af phone call

Now that we have established that there would be a lot of interest on the police's part to have Cyrus killed, let's move on to the next topic.

Suddenly, without any further context or this being ever mentioned again, Luther talks to *someone* on the telephone. This happens in the album, and in the movie as well, it is not confirmed who the hell Luther was talking to on that phone call. I've already seen some people theorizing that he has contacts inside the force and that he's talking to them, and I agree, but I think he's not talking with some random cop, I believe he's talking to Victor.

Come think with me: how did Luther instantly knew Ajax had been taken by the cops ("Holy shit, Warrior down [...] Picked the wrong fight / now she's in for a long night", I'll talk about this later btw), and most importantly, what exactly was Victor doing at Union Square's station?

Let's compare this approach with Barnes' one at the park.

Barnes was alone in the bench, and only when Ajax approached him (and started beating the shit out of him), he called for police reinforcements. It didn't feel planned, even tho he was trying to bait them to come closer to him, I think it was much more about sexual harassment than him actually intending to arrest them. With Victor, however, it doesn't feel like a random encounter.

"Officers are on the scene". This line repeats a lot during Reunion Square, that alone indicates that there are a group of cops there, like they've been called. They knew the Warriors, specifically the Warriors, would be there, and why was it so important for them to get the Warriors if they're just a "likkle Coney Island crew"? Because Luther would be FUCKED if the Riffs reached them alive.

Of course, the Riffs could just not believe the girls, but he was not willing to risk it — after the phone call, Luther tells Cropsy the Riffs wanted the Warriors alive, but they don't. And he was right, wasn't him? Cleon being alive and telling the Riffs the truth was the only reason for him to be caught and... well, we don't know for sure what they did to him, but we can imagine they weren't gentle.

That being said, we have strong evidence that Luther was in touch with the cops, else he would have no way of knowing Ajax was grounded. And Victor needed a reason to be there as well; not only an informant, but also a motive, and if we consider the theory that he was talking to Luther, we have both things.

3. Trust in the impunity of a daddy's boy

During the entire musical, Luther thinks he can get away with about everything. I atribute that not only to the fact that he's a white man targeting women of color, but he must also have other reasons to believe he's immune to justice of any kind, and there's where I start to try to convince you that he's Victor's son.

I mean, when Cropsy shows that he's worried the Riffs would go after them, Luther, rather ignorantly, responds with "they're looking for the Warriors, remember?" As if the fact that the Riffs are going after the Warriors is enough for him to believe they would never even think about interrogating them, trying to find the murder weapon, etc.

This behavior suits someone that has never been held accountable for any misdeeds at all, and who would fit this description better than a cop's son?

Let alone that Victor is a captain. He holds even MORE power within the police. Being the son of a cop, even if you're a fucking gang member, you'd feel safe enough to do just whatever the fuck you want without even thinking about the consequences.

Like, how many times he could have been caught doing something illegal, just tell the cops "do you know who my father is?" AND IT ACTUALLY WORKING? I firmly believe he was the one to inform the cops about all of this — the gathering, the Warriors' location, and the fact that he needed daddy to arrest the women who could potentially cause something to happen to him, because the Riffs are not the police, they'd not give af abt who his father is, even someone like him would have to be a little worried about being taken by them.

4. Fox & Luther — Parallels

I bet you did not see that one coming. "What do you mean there's something in common between Fox and Luther specifically that makes Victor killing her an interesting parallel with his (supposed) son?"

Well, games. That's kinda it. Old games.

So, there are only two characters that canonically like games in the musical, because they actually mention them: Fox ("A-yo I'll take you on an Odyssey like Magnavox") and Luther (with his multiple references to Pacman during the entire thing and other game expressions, like "I was at the top of the screen when I took that shot")

The Magnavox Odyssey is actually mentioned on the movie (according to my own father. I confess I don't remember this part, but I trust my nerdy father who actually have a connection with old consoles to notice that) by the Lizzies (fem version of the Bizzies), and Fox was not even there at the moment. Actually, movie Fox does not have a lot of... personality, if you ask me, he was kinda irrelevant. Anyways, even if Lin and Eisa wanted to reference this specific part in which the Lizzies offer to play Odyssey with the Warriors to lure them, why not have the Bizzies saying that? Why Fox?

Because that would be a bitter irony in the future. I might be crazy, BUT HEAR ME OUT, Victor killing a young woman that shared his son's interest for games was a foreshadowing for him being responsible for Luther's death as well — because he failed.

This is other thing they share: they failed. Victor failed to stop the Warriors from going home, Luther failed to kill Cyrus and blame the Warriors with no consequences, they failed together at silencing them, and this CAUSED Luther's (probable) death.

5. A gang member who endorses the police?

Ok, this last section is based in my belief that, even tho the crews fight and have their diferences, they all share a common enemy: the cops. That was the reason for them to accept the truce after all, the cops are their common enemy.

But somehow that doesn't feel true for the Rouges.

First of all, they killed Cyrus, which obviously means they were not in favor of the truce. But why? They sure would suffer from police brutality too if they were a normal gang. And we can all agree that they are even more violent than the average gang (I mean... have you listened to their leader?).

Also, this line intrigues me.

I mean, "picked the wrong fight"? It is clear that Luther's view is biased to take the cops' side. In this case, one could argue that his misogyny would play a big part on him diminishing Ajax's will to fight against an abuser. Anyhow, I think that this evidences that, even tho he's a gang member, he has a strong connection with the police.

CONCLUSION

I think we can all agree that Luther has something going on with the police, and I hope I have convinced you that he has something going on with Victor specifically.

It is possible to argue that their connection is only "tactical", or even go as far as to say that they are friends or something (tho, I don't think that's possible. One thing about brats like the Rouges: they don't go well with old people, with all due respect. I don't personally see this working as a friendship), but I'll stand with the father-son relationship till the day I die!!

Thank you for reading this madness and please lmk what you think! If there's something that doesn't make sense, if you have your own theories... I mean, I'm far more invested in this than I ever thought I would be, please give me more content 🙏🙌

[thebroccolination]

Well, well, well.

It appears that there’s an elegant fairy-dusting of hate comments about me on Twitter from some Peraya interfans who are furious that I made this video:

Why, you ask?

Well, apprently I spent days making that video because I’m only “pretending” to be a Peraya.

I’m sorry y’all had to find out this way that I’ve been posting joyfully about KristSingto for five years as a long con ruse. I haven’t been informed why I did that. I’ll let you know if they tell me.

Maybe they’ll also tell me why I was “pretending” to be a fan of Singto while I was supporting GawinKrist and “Be My Favorite.” I’d love to know that, too.

Because of course a fan can’t support multiple projects by the same person. A fan can’t like KristSingto AND GawinKrist. It can’t be that I like seeing Krist succeed no matter whether he’s paired with Singto or pursuing solo projects with other people.

😐

Sarcasm aside, those individuals can yell all they want about how fake I am and how they’ll never forgive me for What I Did.

Because tell me: what did I do?

I’ll go first: 1) I made threads calling for people to respect Krist’s friendships with Singto and Gawin against the toxic fans on both sides who were constantly fighting each other. I also 2) named Peraya as the ones who were starting throwaway accounts to attack Gawin throughout the summer of 2023 while “Be My Favorite” was airing. (Some Peraya believe that Gawin’s own fans made throwaway accounts to “make Peraya look bad”—and yes, I can’t prove they weren’t, but I also can’t see Gawin’s fans calling him a “half-breed” even under the guise of anonymity. I can see it done by fans who were so angry about BMF they refused to acknowledge the series while it was airing and regularly tweeted about how just thinking about it made them want to cry, though. I used context clues to assume who might have a vested interest in going after Krist’s costar.)

And then 3) in 2024, I stood up for Krist because he had been forced to hide his friendship with Gawin for months. He closed his Broadcast permanently because there were Peraya putting vomit and angry emojis on the two photos he posted of Gawin. He was getting hate on Twitter from some Peraya for 1) not fanservicing with Singto enough, 2) betraying Singto by leaving the outing with Gawin instead of staying at the hotel with Singto, and 3) ruining KristSingto’s comeback, among other things.

There were alt accounts calling Gawin a “half-breed” and a “mutt” and a “leech” the same way some GawinKrist fans were calling Singto “desperate” and “broke” and a “leech,” and I was so tired of all of it I left Twitter.

I also stood up for Singto in all of that.

In every thread I made about this for two years, I said we should support Krist and show respect to Singto and Gawin because they’re people he cares about.

I archived my Twitter, so I have receipts of everything I said, every thread I made defending Krist, Singto, and Gawin.

All I’ve ever stood for in this fandom is unity and harmony and kindness like the My Little Pony fan I am, but I won’t tolerate toxicity and aggression. I block for it regularly, and I left Twitter in part because of all of this.

Fandom is a community, and common decency and respect for each other are fundamental parts of that. If you want to spend your time in fandom fighting other fans and complaining about everything instead of using that energy to uplift Krist and Singto when they’re creating art to admire, then, quite frankly, you’re going to make people less likely to want to join the Peraya fandom.

So let me be very clear:

1) Krist and Singto are and always have been my priority as a Peraya.

2) I am creating videos and projects to bring new fans into our fandom because it will be fun.

3) If you keep bullying people and creating vendettas and making blacklists, you are going to make this fandom a worse place to be in, and people won’t want to be part of it. You are the reason some Peraya have left. They were tired of your negativity, and they walked away because of it.

I am building community. Build with me or build your own, but this isn’t going to help KristSingto in their comeback.

Focus on them, because that’s what I’m going to do.

There, I think that’s clear enough.

And to any new fans reading this and going, “Yikes,” then welcome! If you’re looking for community, feel free to join my KristSingto Discord server where we’ve been happily discussing “The Ex-Morning”!

We have rewatches of every episode weekly at 18:00GMT on Saturdays and 7:00GMT on Sundays. I look forward to seeing you there!

[beegone-yeet]

My Matthew Hallard's red bows symbolism

Why he's red mixed in from this repost of mine. Some of this will make more sense once I'm finished with my art project of making an art display of my Matthew hcs combined with info. Just working on scripts prior before delving into it. I have a headache starting, and I don't wanna go on more rn

Sharing, gifts, unity, community, and family

Matthew's a middle child. Has an older brother and little sister. He's got long enough hair, where he's constantly brushing it out of his face, and his sister notices and gives him her bows.

Same reasons as the previous statement.

In the past, he took up babysitting as a side gig because he found out how good he was with younger children. They'd wanna be around him instead of their parents whenever he's available, usually and too much so. He listens to them when no one else will. Maybe pressured into it by his parents wanting him to have more senses of responsibility and for his “future family” they expected of him

Femininity, identity, hair individuality

It's the 90's and he's gonna get crap for it. Based on the negatives. He's a dream child yet everyone wants more from him and for him to get rid of his identity to fit their standards and expectations despite Matthew already being a DREAM child. Longer hair was like rebellion but more so individuality in Matthew's case, and people apparently hate it when someone's different.

Support, community, more than what meets the eye, identity and awareness are semi present in this

When he's 1332-C, Matthew was made to cut his hair before pictures (currently drawing this for an art display of hcs). Kinda like making him lose a sense of identity. The reasoning varies between person, being "It'll get in the way during Doey transformation surgery", "Makes him look not put together", and Sawyer being an asshole by pressuring Matthew to follow through, for the tee-hees, no excuses or lying, just telling him to do it then they'll move on to picture taking, and his tone getting more serious.

The reason Matthew followed through, no questions asked, is thinking he's being dramatic all over hair. It's important to do so. What if there's invisible consequences if I don't. The guilt of refusing and not following his status quo (dream child). It's important for the adults to see he's not one to complain about anything, that's also something they liked about him. Maybe his adoptive parents wanted this?

He's unaware of what gonna happen to him and thinks that after the checkups are done, he'd be sent with his adoptive parents "home" and deal with his emotions later on

He lost his bow but it's semi-added by him in his Doey conscience form because he's still holding onto that sense of identity, community of Safe Haven, and connections he's had

Red tail bow on horses warning they may kick, not mentioned semi horse symbolism:

Matthew's Doey conscience whenever withdrawing, angry, needs a breath, his bow turns into those horse tail bows to warn “don't come near me rn, or I may lash out”. I guess a past thing Matthew had was whenever he needs a break and would tell people to leave him be, much like idiots who go up to horses in those types of videos (queen's guards), people still won't leave him be and continue on.

Past (How he got orphaned)

Drunk Driving Prevention (ribbon)

While on a night drive with his remaining family to drop off grandma and her dog, a drunk driver who'd been speeding crashes into them, resulting in a severe car accident (car went tumbling). Matthew lived because his seating placement (in middle, middle child, legs of Doey being between arms/other colors) gave him less injuries. He saw his legs “bathed in red”. Couldn't move his legs, from injuries, frozen response.

Grandma was added because I heard that people drive their elderly family members since they shouldn't be driving, and gives them a reason why they were driving at night. The dog was also added for their symbolism– such as guide dogs– and how Matthew viewed he had “broken” said symbolized stuff, both the dog's and previously mentioned symbolism

During his freeze response, Kevin would be active since he's the protector of Safe Haven and Matthew wouldn't be in the right state because of his response and lack of strength from lasting Chronic Pain Syndrome from the car accident. Permanent because he was still recovering prior to Project Doey, and their bodies sorta stay the same in their conscience. Jack doesn't front much because of being half-blind, part deaf and having severe burns (which is why it hurts so much when he got freezed) when he was saved. The tour guide Brendon said that they turned the machines off in time which implies they saved Jack in time but was gonna die, so like Theodore, ?Marie, and Thomas Clarke, they turned him into a toy to save him and avoid another lawsuit. Maybe Jack was gonna live but didn't want a lawsuit so they disposed of all the Ayers family

I think that's enough ranting. Yet again, headache