#we gotta nip this problem in the bud

[livingasaghost]

me @ me: we WILL have a good birthday this year and we WON'T cry and we WON'T have a shame breakdown why? BECAUSE WE DESERVE TO BE LOVED AND WE WANT TO BE LOVED SAY IT WITH ME!!!

[yuuchama]

A small cluster of freshmen knelt in front of Riddle. The white trousers of their dorm uniforms were stained with grass from being on the ground for so long, just as Riddle's heel was sunk into the dirt from standing in place for an hour.

The housewarden brandished his staff at his underclassmen. "Do not forget. Rule 228 so clearly states that flowers in gardens must never be picked on Wednesdays. If I catch you again, there will be serious consequences."

No one dared raise their eyes. "More serious than this?" somebody whispered under their breath.

It was drowned out by a sharp bark of "you are dismissed!"

The freshmen did not need to be told twice. They clearly learned the importance of following rules, and wasted no time in staggering to their feet. With a "Yes, housewarden!", they fled.

Riddle huffed. His job wasn't easy. Back in the Heartslabyul kitchen, Cater and Trey were waiting with a spot of tea and a fresh slice of fruit pie - the best remedy for fury.

Riddle stabbed his fork into the flaky crust. "These incoming freshmen have no decorum or respect for the Queen's rules. They are an utter disgrace."

"They're new," Trey explained. He draped a napkin over Riddle's shoulders. "With a little time and a few heart-to-hearts, they'll settle in."

Cater turned his phone screen off and placed it down on the table. What he was about to say was important. "Chin up, Riddle! You just have to speak their language!"

"I am certain we already speak the same language, else they wouldn't have enrolled here." Half of the pie served well to make Riddle calmer. He already stopped squeezing his fork and was more conscious about crumbs falling off the plate.

"No, no. I mean, you have to think like a freshman! These kids grew up in a totally different era from you and me," Cater clarified.

Riddle raised an eyebrow. "Even though they're only a year or two younger?"

"Exactly!"

Trey was getting a bad feeling about the whole situation. "They've only been here a month," he reminded them. "Everything is still so new. Most are living on their own for the first time."

"Riddle needs to get with the times!" Cater insisted.

Trey flinched. This was not going to end well at all.

"Explain," Riddle ordered.

"Learn the lingo that everybody's using these days. If you speak to with the freshmen in clear language that they understand, communication will be a piece of cake!"

"Anyone up for another slice of pie?" Trey tried, and failed, to change the subject.

"If only it were that easy." Riddle wiped a spot of cream off of his lip while mulling over Cater's advice. "What do I need to say for them to listen?"

Cater leaned over. This was important intel the housewarden needed to hear. "Instead of that long, difficult lecture, try being like, 'Hey, freshies! You've gotta obey the code, don’t be grabbin’ flowers on hump day or you’ll face mad heat. Capiche?'"

There was a long, slightly uncomfortable pause. Riddle's eyes went wide. He mouthed Cater's sentence, trying to make heads or tales of certain words. Words he knows very well, but would ordinarily never be used in such context.

"I don't think I've heard anyone use 'capiche' outside of a mafia movie," Trey mused.

"This... is how our freshmen are used to talking?" Riddle asked.

"Oh, yeah. This is how all the lit youth be vibing with each other now."

Riddle knit his brows together and pushed his empty plate aside. "This is worse than I thought. Trey, gather the freshmen. They must be taught the importance of proper speech. I won't stand for Heartslabyul students besmirching our dorm with incomprehensible slang."

Cater jumped up. "Now hold on, Riddle. I think you're misunderstanding something!"

Trey, having choked on the tea he was sipping, coughed. "T-that's right. Hold on a second, I think Cater is exaggeratin-"

"Nonsense." Their housewarden stood up and folded his napkin. "I have to nip this in the bud before it becomes a serious problem. We're having a dorm meeting."

[mesillusionssousecstasy]

Running point: Quotes

"- I'll issue a statement that I'm taking a medical leave, and I am stepping down. I need to fix this. I at least need to learn how to hide it better." (Cam - Episode 1)

"- Daddy never believed in me, and I started to doubt myself. (Isla) - I need you to stop 'cause I don't care about any of that shit." (Cam -Episode 1)

"- Can you stop being so diplomatic and tell me how you really feel? (Lev) - Well, it's like Dad always says. "Never get rid of a distressed asset. You just raise its value." (Isla - Episode 1)

"- Apparently, they are a deeply Christian family, and their name can't be associated with a... crackhead. (Sandy) - Our brother's not a crackhead, okay? He's a rich man with a drug problem." (Ness - Episode 1)

"- Looking good sober, my man. (Ness) - Don't lie to me. I look terrible." (Can - Episode 2)

"- Let's skip the woke bullshit. Got a Zoom with my parole officer in five. (Cam) - But now you've had a couple days sober. You're thinking clearly. Maybe you want to, uh, amend your decision. (Sandy) - I see. So I picked our sister over you guys, and now your bitch asses can't handle it. This is the last thing I need to be dealing with right now. I'm in withdrawal. I've been shitting black tar for the last 48 hours, and last night, I offered my body to an orderly for a Sudafed. Does that sound like a man who wants to be dragged into a personnel issue at his old job? If I thought you guys could've handled it, I would've picked you, but clearly you can't. Do either of you have... any cocaine? Of course not. Because you're fucking losers." (Cam - Episode 2)

"- Dad did not cheat with my mom, okay? They met the day he told your mom he wanted a divorce." (Sandy - Episode 2)

"- Kind of romantic, if it wasn't also extremely alarming. Legally. (Bernie the lawyer) - How much are we talking here? (Sandy) - Why are you assuming all he wants is money. (Isla) - His lawyer did seem to indicate that that was the priority. (Bernie the lawyer) - This kid hit the jackpot. Bernie, come up with a number. We pay this kid out, or we split our inheritance five ways. And he was just making $ 16 an hour, so let's not go overboard. I want a NDA. I wanna make sure that he doesn't work here anymore and never contacts us. (Cam) - Don't you think you're being a little hasty? (Isla) - This guy's our brother. (Ness) - Stop thinking about it like that. This is shrapnel from Dad. We just have to deal with it. It is literally the worst time for news like this to be coming out. Sandy's right. We gotta nip this in the bud." (Cam - Episode 2)

"- And I know a place where you will feel better instantly. (Ali) - Ugh, I love Sephora. There's so much good shit to buy. Every 90 seconds, a woman comes up with a headset and asks if you need anything. See? You forget about all your outside problems, try 900 different mascaras... Nothing bad happens at Sephora." (Isla - Episode 2)

"- I think the statute of limitations has run out, but I appreciate it." (Episode 2)

"- Hey, he won a lot of championships screaming at people." (Isla - Episode 3)

"- You know, when your father acted that way, the players feared him. If you do the same, they will hate you." (Jay- Episode 3)

"- Isla gave me this amazing opportunity, and I'm blowing it. (Jackie) - You're not quitting. (Ali) - I am. Before I bring down the entire organization. (Jackie) - Okay, first of all, you're not that important. Don't just anticipate what she needs, but also what she doesn't know she needs." (Ali- Episode 3)

"- So this is just about you? (Isla) - Hell yeah, it is. This is my team. (Marcus) - No, you're just the best player on the team, but you're so checked out, I'm surprised you noticed a player missing." (Isla- Episode 3)

"- So I'm gonna have to crash with you. (Ness) - You have to crash at The Peninsula like every other rich guy with marital problems. (Sandy) - Sandy, I should not be alone right now, okay? I could just picture myself on some hotel balcony, wondering what it's like if a 210-pound man comes crashing down on the roof of a Maserati. That'd be on you. (Ness) - This is so manipulative." (Sandy- Episode 4)

"- I know exactly what you mean. Yeah, nepo recognize nepo." (Episode 4)

"- You are literally incapable of not being disruptive and obnoxious." (Episode 4)

"- Because it's not always about the money, right? (Isla) - Of course it is. How do you think I became a billionaire?" (Episode 4)

"- Nope, Isla and Ness had to fail as human beings before they got their jobs. I had to get an MBA." (Sandy)

"- They wanted to surprise you with breakfast. So nice, right? - What? They don't do anything nice." (Isla- Episode 5)

"- I'm sorry. I didn't realize you guys were attached to our non-existent faith." (Isla- Episode 5)

"- Hey, you guys. Guys, look. I'm kind of flattered that you care about our dysfunctional family traditions" (Episode 5)

"- Well, not so fast, punk. If you ever see my daughter again.... I will kill you. And I'm a very rich man. I will get away with it." (Stephen Ramirez)

"- I mean, Charlie seems nice, but I have zero bandwidth to even think about this. (Isla) - Oh okay. So you're saying this isn't important to you? (Sandy) - That's exactly what she's saying." (Ali - Episode 9)

"- I just don't get it. Isla likes me. Ness likes me. You like me. (Jackie) - Mm, you like me. I tolerate you." (Ali - Episode 9)

"- Oh, an addict made you a promise? They always tell the truth." (Episode 9)

"- Look, Isla, I... I'm so happy that you got this job, and I think that you are so, so good at it. And I never want to be one of those asshole guys who complains about how much their wife works, but... I don't know, maybe I need more than you can give me right now." (Lev - Episode 9)

"- And even when you win, it's the losses you remember the most." (Jay- Episode 10)

[cosmicrescendo]

(Read Part 1 of this rant here)

If we want to talk about Noir's pelicularites, we gotta start here. Aru's really different than the 2 two protags, isn't he?

Halritt has wonderful ideals, but they're a little vague/short-sighted and he is struggling to put them in practice and bear results with those methods.

Kurode is decently competent, but lacks a clear anchor (one's chivalry) to drag him out of the stupor born from his miserable perception of himself, which hinders his progress.

Aru is a little older, and has been in the business for a lot longer than these two. I say, in terms of the heart, there's not much he lacks: He's good a strong will, dedicated in both his ideals and love for his Lord, quick to act (and improvise!), and can bear good results due to well-placed earnestness and empathy. N01 illustrates this all pretty well.

Pretty transparently, what Aru does lack, is "experience". And I'd argue its a slightly different variety than say, what Halritt and Kurode need as fresh-faced knights. Those two's experiences will develop/grow their hearts (will and identity). With Aru (and I will expound later, the entirety of Noir potentially)…….it's more of a mental thing?

For starters, let's refer back to the idea that To Get Along = To Understand Others. Let's take Chaco. We can see he's well-liked by his community and thusly he should know how to get along with others! But why did he fail in N01? This is because the basics of attempting to Understand Others isn't enough.......we need Knowledge. One can empathize and understand the actions of their family, school, or region ...but end up stepping all over the toes of another person due to a lack of cultural, emotional, technical, and/or situational knowledge.

If something is easy for me, and I never attempt to engage/experience with the Reasons Why people who struggle with it or can't do it at all, then my attempts at being empathic will feel flimsy at best and offensive at worst! (Or I might not empathize at all, due to my own built up biases......)

So what's the easiest way to obtain such Knowledge? Getting off our asses and going to see it! Not gonna find anything remaining in the place that developed our own biases. And by being a traveling outsider, Aru brings a slice of the outside to the people he ends up encountering! It prompts learning on both ends! Now, it should be noted that the people he encounters that have Very Specific Problems born from this lack, there's not a really specific one for Aru (as of rn) aside from cultural/technical knowledge, so good on Pekkle for being a good friend and nipping that in the bud before it blossoms.

"but nova isn't this supposed to be a thread about how Noir differs? this sounds Awfully Similar to blue bouquet's Problem" Well you see the most interesting part is the Resolution. In realizing what they lack they are inherently Drawn to it, and desire More!

Tuxam doesn't just realize he's too much of a hardass and Chaco realizing he can come across as a little insincere. they are inherently drawn to the qualities in Aru that they lack (his frankness and his freedom) and want to experience more of Aru's perspective and the other potenial things they don't know, prompting them to tag along in this cross-country journey!

In contrast.....it's not like Kurode's willful desire for independence caught Klark's attention in that way, and in canon Will-Louter and Kurode-Klark are similar to each other, in regards to changing the twins' ways in B02. And even though R03 emphasized the importance of diversity, it's a little different. We can acknowledge the strengths of others and how having such a colorful group covers our weaknesses when we're alone. However! None of the knights in there necessarily want to incorporate each other's way of life into themselves in that manner. It's pretty clear by the way R03 encourages Rimicha to be confident in what only he can do and his way of being a knight. Preservation of one's individuality is important. In Blue and Red, we have to begin where we are similar in order to understand our differences, but in Noir, differences are enchanting, exciting, alluring, that which draws us together!

What a lovely sentiment! (Go read Part 3 of this rant)

[tojikai]

I gotta say, it was lovely to see Satoru reflecting on how much of a piece of shit he was to Y/N. I’m currently drinking a cup full of his tears 🤭

It’s incredibly frustrating that it took him seeing her with Toji, a man that’s treating her right and how she deserves for him to realize how badly he messed up. Seeing these little snippets of how he had done the things to Y/N with Naomi as they’re happening to him with Toji… IT DOESNT FEEL GOOD DOES IT SATORU.

We haven’t seen much of Naomi but her actually referring to herself as Mama when it came to Yui? WHEW. It was one thing for Yui to do it on her own but for Naomi to encourage it had me so annoyed 😭 Luckily Satoru nipped that in the bud. I’m trying really hard to not think poorly of her because maybe she’s just bad at understanding coparenting and Satoru has shown Naomi that he puts her above whatever Y/N wants/thinks so she’s used to that. At the same time I feel like it’s basic empathy to get both parents permission before doing huge things like that… IDK I flip flop between both. What I do know is that it’s Satoru’s responsibility as he’s the father and he needs to advocate for the mother of his child even if his girlfriend doesn’t like it. Also that little dig Toji made (accidentally) that made about disrespecting her parents made her leave 🤭 I got a kick out of that.

But now that Satoru has admitted he’s still in love with Y/N I think he needs to break up with her. It’s unfair of him to lead someone on like that when he’s in love with someone else. Even if he’s not going to try and get back with Y/N, it’s just a terrible thing to do to someone.

Toji and Megumi oh my god they’re so CUTE. I want so much happiness for them 😭 Yui and Megumi being thick as thieves UGH i’m so happy that they’re all happy and if they’re endgame I wish them all the love and happiness oh my god.

Throughout all this, is it bad that I kind of still want them (Satoru and Y/N) to end up together? I know they’re toxic, I know Toji is absolutely lovely but if Satoru works on himself and actively works for Y/N’s forgiveness I’d love to see them happy 😭 sometimes it does take seeing what you’ve missed out to put your ass into gear and fix what’s wrong.

I wonder who he called at the end, I think it’s either Toji or Naomi… and I wonder if either person would tell Y/N or Satoru about the call. Or just stay silent and pretend it didn’t happen to keep things as they are. AHHH THE DRAMA! There’s so much I wanna say but I can’t remember it all so I’ll leave it here!

Kai you absolutely ate this chapter and I thank you so so much for the update. I’m super excited to read the rest! Do you have an estimate for how many chapters you think Sundered is going to be?

Thank you SO much for sharing your work and I hope you have an amazing weekend 🫶🏽 much love!

satoru's indifference regarding Yui calling naomi mama led her to think that it's fine. and the fact that it was never addressed/got avoided in those few weeks gave her the impression that yn sees no problem w it :(( and yeppp, satoru still having feelings for yn while with naomi, i could say it's inevitable, considering how rash and quickly he moved to naomi. it's truly sad :(( as for the call AAAAA we'll know ;> anw thankss so much for this, i enjoyed reading it <33 have a nice day !!

[creature-wizard]

Oh people can believe whatever the fuck they want to believe as long as they aren't harming people with their bullshit. Then you gotta nip them in the bud.

Yup. And the problem with the Great Goddess hypothesis is that science marched on and we realized that the evidence just didn't support the widespread worship of a singular goddess figure back in ancient or prehistoric times, and about the only people clinging to it now are the type of people who believe there's a global conspiracy to hide The Truth; EG, Nazis, radfems, and New Agers.

[bratzboykai]

Like I get the defensiveness around egg jokes but I think like other people said, egg jokes are funny when you're talking about yourself and your journey or like friends who express they're comfortable with it because they know you and they have a better familiarity with your intention and you have familiarity with their experiences, because otherwise it just feels like you're making assumptions about people's gender, especially when they're legitimately strangers.

But I think most of the problem for me lies in the way they're usually now based in binary and very often superficial ideas of what defines a "gender". For example like that post showed: "Man buys women deodorant. He must secretly be a woman" or like I've also seen, "Woman buys men's jeans. She must secretly be a man". Like if we're going to advocate for gender non conformity and the eventual freedom from standards of gender you need to realize how its still very present, even if its jokes, even if it's small things! And to realize it's even sillier reinforcing these ideas we're supposedly trying to eradicate by using superficial shit like products and clothes lol It reminds so much of that silly "Bisexuals love frogs, sweater weather, and cuffing their jeans" shit.

Like this has an effect on not just the definition of gnc and how gnc should free anyone and everyone of the standards of their agab, but the pressure put on binary trans people to meet conditional standards other people hold them to, not just cis people either. Like is a butch trans woman less of a woman cause she may like using a piece of clothes she got from the men's section or for expressing her butchness through her clothes? Is a femme trans man less of a man cause he chose to wear a skirt on a hot day or feels comfortable in expressing a certain degree of femininity through his clothes? Of course not!

And like I said we need to stop making assumptions that all cis people exist in a certain rigid vacuum of conformity as well. Cis poc navigate the world quite differently from cis white people. Cis white standards of gender would render so many of them gnc by sheer matter of existence, and not all cis poc are comfortable with being labeled as gnc, nb, or trans for simply being themselves when white society ALREADY misgenders them. We need to get to a place where like superficial choices of clothes or products or even presentation don't define someone's gender to us by sheer visual point, but by respect of what a person ACTUALLY is comfortable to share as their identity. These specific type of jokes based on visual and products seem minuscule but they are in some part a problem!

The one thing I DO take qualms with on that post was calling the egg joke thing "creepy". I don't think its creepy, and given the example came from a trans woman it did make me 🤨🤨, but I think it's just a little idk unintentionally misguided?? and that's easy to do when you're just joshing around, especially with other trans people, so I dont like get mad about it. It bothers me but it doesn't ANGER me, I just want others to just give it a thought! Sometimes these things start small and we gotta give it some time, space, and thought to nip it in the bud.

[kindheart525]

Bzzz!

Whenever her phone vibrated, it could mean something positive or absolutely awful for Triple Threat. An interview, perhaps, or a job offer if she was lucky. Those were few and far between lately. Too often it was another nasty comment, another bully to block from her messages.

It was so draining.

Triple Threat picked up her little gadget for a brief glance, a quick scroll before she could get back to her day.

Random stranger… Random stranger…

1 Message from Sugar Shaker

Sugar Shaker!?

This had to be a trick. THE Sugar Shaker? Trotsy Thoroughbred herself? This had to be a fan account, an imitator, there was no way…

Nope. Verified account, @sugarshaker.official herself.

TT’s hooves were practically shaking as she gripped her phone between them. Sugar Shaker, her idol, messaging HER? Out of all ponies? She had heard of her? Why? How?

Relax, TT, it’s probably a publicity representative.

But the video she sent told her otherwise.

The camera was blurry and shaking, with a brown hoof half-covering the lens.

“Is this thing on? Can she see me?”

An older mare’s voice asked, with a younger filly responding,

“Yes Nana, she will. Just put it in the stand and step back a little.”

“Oh, these newfangled contraptions. They didn’t have these back in my day.”

The mare clicked her tongue.

“Wait, I’ve gotta try out one of these fancy backgrounds.”

The screen lit up with a series of filters like rainbows, puppy ears, even a “which Bridleway star are you” test, before settling on a pink, starry background. 

“Ah yes, this will make me look like a star.”

The mare backed up, revealing her whole face in all its glory. Just like the old recordings, just with more laugh lines and silver streaks now.

“Miss Triple Threat, hello!”

TT couldn’t wipe the grin off her face. She was talking to her! Her idol knew her name!

“Now, I’ve been retired for years, I’m not sure if you even know who I am. Sugar Shaker, I was Trotsy Thoroughbred in Manespray! The first one!”

Oh, she was so humble for somepony who blazed trails.

“I’ve heard a lot about you, you rising star. Why, you’re darn near the talk of the town! I just had to get in touch, so I got my grandfoal Cinnamon to help. Listen here—“

She took her camera off its stand, holding it closer to her face shakily but with determination.

“I’m real glad somepony’s talking about this. Back when I was starting out, we all knew what they did to ponies like us. We knew it was a problem, but hardly anypony heard of it. They mostly kept it hush-hush even if we tried to give them a piece of our minds. All the starlets I knew who had to give up their dreams…”

She stared off into the distance wistfully, before snapping back to the present moment.

“But we just darn might see a day where that doesn’t happen anymore because of ponies like you kicking up a fuss about it. I’m glad the young ponies these days have guts. You kids have the bravery of a manticore!”

TT didn’t feel very brave when she was being ridiculed onstage and off, when she was sick and in the pits of self-loathing. Even now she didn’t see it as bravery but just trying to make sure ponies like her survived.

“I’ll bet it’s not as easy as it looks.”

Sugar seemed to be reading her mind.

“You’re just doing what should have been done years ago. I’m sure you’d love nothing more than to just get on with it and sing your heart out.”

She was right, that’s all TT really wanted. 

“Well, I’m not going to just sit on my bum and let you do it alone. Big gals like us, we’ve gotta stick together.”

She panned the camera back to strike a fabulous pose, her body a mirror of her younger self, perhaps even bigger now. A mirror of TT’s.

“And guys and everyone else out there! Call me back, Triple Threat, and we can put out a statement together to try and finally nip this stuff in the bud. Let them know we aren’t going anywhere and they better give us what we deserve! And I’ve got some ponies for you to meet who can help us too. So you can finally live the life you dreamed of.”

After these inspiring words, Sugar adjusted her glasses in confused-old-mare fashion and squinted into the camera.

“How do you turn this off?”

“The red button, Nana.”

“Oh yes, that’s right. Ta-ta!”

The video stopped, but Triple Threat was still left in awe. She had just gotten a message from THE Sugar Shaker. But beyond the celebrity recognition, there was somepony who supported her, somepony well-known. She felt a mix of emotions—enraged that things hadn’t gotten much better than her time, pained that this hatred against fat ponies ruined so many careers. But empowered knowing that she wouldn’t be alone after all.

All these feelings motivated her as she went straight to work, typing out a reply and coming up with an action plan.

~~~~~~~~~~

Previous: Mizmaze Next: You Can't Stop The Beat

[prettytanuki]

s02ep00 of Mushoku Tensei

This episode feels like a side-story. Not as good as MT season 1 but I guess you should watch if you want to watch season 2.

Spoilers & my thoughts on the episode below.

So the episode starts with a royalty talking about cake with her guards, except cake is codeword for tits, because this is mushoku tensei and all roads lead to perv.

Then we see Sylphy getting teleported into the sky and we're reminded that, yeah, this would kill most people normally.

So how the fuck does she survive this? What does this have to do with that princess? Is she just going to fall on a tree and they'll help her or something?

And then all of sudden a huge pig goes rampage and brutally kills one guard... wait what.

What's up with this pig all of sudden? Where did it came from. Why does it decide to go on rampage the exact moment Sylphy is falling down in the sky? In hindsight, was it that water spell she tried to use earlier and almost drowned in it?

So as it seems that the other guard is actually fucking dead, and the second guard is prepared to die and tells the princess to gtfo, maybe... just maybe... this pig is the real deal, so I guess Sylphy will kill the pig, the princess will be like "hurray" and the story continues from there. The only problem is how is she going to land.

What the fuck? HER HAIR JUST TURNED WHITE? SHE JUST PULLED A KANEKI???? I was wondering who the hell was that guy white haired elf at the end of first season and it was JUST HER WITH WHITE HAIR???

This was dirty. Dirty and cheap. Can't believe I fell for that.

WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS???

ARE YOU FOR REAL RIGHT NOW??? SHE JUST... FALLS RIGHT IN THE EXACT SPOT LOL

Okay this was awful. I guess it solves the issue of how it happens but holy shit this was awful. This is some looney tooneys shit.

Okay so the princess takes Sylphy in on the condition that she wears these glasses... I guess that explains where the glasses come form but... why tho...? Is it the eye color? I guess that must be it because I can't imagine it being anything else. I don't really remember eye color being that important though. I thought it was the hair color.

Messy writing aside I gotta say this looks pretty badass. Sunglass white-hair elf ftw!

Some royal bullshit happens in the ball. Silent Fitz, huh? I guess that explains how she maintained low-profile despite having no court training. Was Sylphy an elf...? I don't really remember. I think she was supposed to be a demon, so she's pretending to be an elf.

Fitz seems traumatize. I guess that makes sense considering this is MT.

I guess that makes sense but I was sort of imagining she would just keep "Fitz" around for herself and make no effort in finding her family.

Wow a theater scene. Crazy to think people watched these before animes were invented.

So it sounds like the princess was just trying to get people to search for Fitz' family but the other royals misinterpreted that as her training to raise to the throne... or was she????

A fat bastard noble with a collared sex slave??? This is so cliché.

But I love it.

I'm sorry, what are they saying? I can't concentrate on the words.

"We will not nip the buds, but reap the one who sows them."

Okay, so ur gonna kill her. Why not just say that, explicitly and in plain English, you fatass smirking bastard.

I was so focused on that perv noble I forgot about this other perv noble. ARE YOU GUYS ALL PERVERTS???

RUN FITZ RUN!!!

oh no.

Oh, she's actually one of the decent ones. She wasn't going to attack Fitz. She, just like she said, was just going to sleep on the bed, together, and never had any plans for otherwise. That makes sense.

What a nice emotional scene deepening the relationship between two girls, I'm so glad nothing perverted is goi

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! NO!!! NOOOO!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Blushing Fitz is a cutie.

Oh fuck no. You in bed and open your eyes and a stranger is standing there? This stuff gives me nightmares!

It's an assassin!

Fitz can fight hurray!

Wait a sec... that's fat bastard's girl. She looks smaller than I thought. Why is she an assassin. That doesn't make sense.

*fighting ensues*

Cool moves!

What did she do.

WHAT DID SHE DO???

I mean it looks like she just pushed the assassin with her two hands but honestly that's some SLOW assassin if she just let Fitz attack her full of opening like that.

And blast!

And...

NOOOO!!! FAT BASTARD'S GIRL!!! What the fuck!!!

Why would you do that for, Fitz??? JUST CAPTURE HER ALIVE! Needs an interrogation scene!!!

Is that so? Is she part of the dark guild? Because I'm pretty sure I saw this in Cheat Skill already.

I hope she survived the fall.

I'm glad there was poison in the blade. Sick of half-assed assassins who won't even coat their blades in poison.

So with the assassination the princess leaves for "studies" abroad, which means Fitz goes to magic school, and that connects to how she sent Rudeus a message at the end of last season. That makes sense, I guess.

WHY ARE THEY CLIMBING MOUNTAINS LIKE THAT??? JUST GET A CARRIAGE OR SOMETHING! You telling me the princess of a kingdom can't even get a proper transportation to cross the mountain range?

Okay, fine I don't really know a lot about how royalty works, iirc the average royalty was way poorer than what it looks like in a fantasy show because they only reigned over small domains but surely there is fancier way to travel through a mountain than three people in capes, right? no idea what it would be tho

[dilfdoctordoom]

Okay IDK if this is blasphemous but like... the only real problem I have with Ewing's gotg run is the sheer number of teammates? Like I am all for expanding the roster past the main five, don't get me wrong. Moondragon and Phyla Vell should already be mainstay team members IMO. But I can't help but feel like Ewing just had too many people join, especially first-time members. Marvel Boy, Hercules, The Prince of Power, Blackjack O'Hare, Hulkling, Wiccan, etc. are all new Guardians but there are so many of them they don't feel quite like proper additions to the team and more like allies. Plus, with so many characters it was hard to find time to focus on all of them, even major members. IDK, just the one aspect of the run I take issue with.

No, no, I completely agree. I think it could have worked out had Ewing been allowed to actually do what he set out to do, instead of having everything nipped in the bud at 18 issues.

Like we don't... get much on Noh Varr or Hercules or Prince of Power, they're all just kinda there to fill out panel space.

I do think we would've gotten more of them had the series continued (as realistically the first 18 issues are dealing with Peter, Gamora and Richard's ongoing relationship) but 🤷 Marvel hates gay people and the series never gotta live that long

[amynchan]

"Another one."

The file is slapped on my desk, courtesy of Jack's hand. I do my best not to sigh, but some endeavors are honestly just doomed to fail.

"New recruit or job transfer?" I know I'll see the answer in the file, but if Jack's gonna be like that, then I can be like this. I don't even open the file.

"New recruit, asshole." Wow. Someone's in a bad mood. Wonder what crawled up his ass. Okay, fine, I open up the file this time.

Oh.

Oh...

You know, years and years ago, this might have been considered a conflict of interest. When there were enough people around, working jobs, that the work could be moved from an involved or easily affected party to an uninvolved one.

Maybe there was a reason for that.

"Hey, if you need to take a lunch break—"

"Don't. Just— just don't."

Well... what else can I do? I swallow up my words, nod, and look at the beaming face of Jack's niece again. Seventeen. Sweet girl. Her grades, like everyone else's, meet standards that might have been actually necessary so many years ago. Technology's moved forward. Life has moved forward. Humanity, as a whole, has evolved out of needing so many jobs that most of today's problems are manufactured. Enough to make people think about them but not enough to cause lasting damage to... well, anything if they aren't taken care of. And the people who skim the jobs we've given them? Nothing really happens. We make the fake problems go away one way or another, and nobody and nothing gets hurt in the process. No real loss.

It's busywork is all I'm saying. People like Sarah get to do busywork. The really exceptional people get hired here. Doing this. Keeping the world running on one side and keeping the population controlled on the other.

"All she wants to do is make a difference in the world." Jack doesn't have anyone else who can do this job for him. I don't think he'd want to, either. Once you know about how the world works, there's not really a way to unknow.

Well...

No need to tempt fate with thoughts like those. I go through Sarah's file.

"There's gotta be something else she likes." And there's lots in here. She's got friends. A robust social life. There are a few ambitions, but we can make some scenarios to fit and satisfy those.

But that's not the problem, and Jack knows it. I know it.

"How am I supposed to face her?" he asks. "She's going to come to family dinners, all smiles, talking about how much better the world is because of her and her coworkers and her friends. How much good she's doing for the world. How she's going to make it better for the rest of us, just wait and see. She's going to barrel headfirst into making humanity a utopia again!"

I'm smart enough to keep my mouth shut. Jack and I both know what utopia can do to people.

When Jack yells, I'm not surprised. His brother was never like Sarah. His sister in law was never like Sarah. As far as I know, nobody in his family has been like Sarah. Sweet. Determined. Good-hearted.

All determination and heart. None of the skill sets or natural talents we need in order to make her fantasy come true.

It would make a lot of sense to make Sarah a politician. Protected. Safe. Somewhere her ambitions can at least feel fed and her dreams feel real, at least.

Enough to make her feel proud. Worthy. Dignified. In this world where corruption is nipped in the bud and no one ever gets shot or goes hungry, a politician's job is easy, and the problems they deal with are minor.

But I know it would also be also enough to drive Jack insane. Meeting with his niece throughout the years, watching her be so proud of achievements that are real to her and hollow to everyone who knows. Hollow to him. It's a special kind of hell we live in.

One hell of a utopia.

In the end, Sarah will become a small business owner. We'll lay down the trail for her to run something that runs along the lines of 20th century ethical practices. She'll have her pick of products, and she'll run the operation in the best way she knows how. We can lay down breadcrumbs of opportunities and support the infrastructure and the product line from where we sit. She'll live a perfectly respectable life in her ethical and lovely shop for as long as she wants until she wants a transfer.

Maybe she'll be a politician then. Who the hell knows.

Not me, and not Jack, by the look of it. I look at him, and he glares back.

Yeah. Okay.

Jack slaps another file on my desk. This time, I just take it. There are some days where turnabout just isn't fair play.

In the near future, 85% of all jobs have been automated, and everyone's basic needs are met for free. You work for a secret organization that creates fake busywork jobs for the majority who aren't qualified for the few real jobs left, but need perceived meaningful labor to stay sane.

[ultraintrovertedgryffindor]

okayy!! i have a request for Kenny (We’re the Millers)

so instead of Melisa being Edie and Dons kid, the reader is their child and she obviously runs into the Miller family when they’re on the road and Kenny and the reader hang out all the time and they hang out at the fair (when the drug dealer gets caught by Don) and Kenny admits his feelings when he realizes he may never see her again

(and if you don’t mind it being overly long then maybe a part where they both get put into witness protection together and just go on cute dates together and just soft boy Kenny!! <33)

Oh god, I am so not good at fluff but I tried!! I love Kenny, but he's so hard to write for lmao

3.4K Words🤙🏻

~~~~~~~~~~

"Time to hop on the super dandy party motorhome! Vamanos!" You cringed as your mother's high pitched voice echoed throughout the area, severely mispronouncing the Spanish word.

"Mom, please, stop trying to pretend like you know Spanish."

"Hey," Your father cut in, "your mother is the only one who thought to bring a Spanish dictionary on the road. She definitely knows more Spanish than you, sweetheart. Last time I checked, you don't know how to ask where the bathroom is."

"Alright, alright." You pouted, crossing your arms and burying your face in your phone. You loved your parents, but they could sure be annoying sometimes. You rarely ever got to go on vacations, much less with your own parents, so you tried to make the most of it. You would feel too guilty if you acted like a spoiled brat, plus, your parents would nip that in the bud as soon as you started to show sass.

Coming up to the border to cross back into the States, you jumped when you heard your father and mother taking turns honking the vehicle's horn, making a fool out of themselves. They were waving and shouting excitedly to the next motorhome over, making motions for them to roll their window down. Because of course, they had to introduce themselves just because they had a motorhome as well.

Sighing in embarrassment as your parents called you up front to say hi to the family in the next motorhome, your heart almost skipped a beat when you saw him: a handsome, green eyed, blond haired boy, his eyes glazed over as he looked at you with the same expression that must've been on your face. He was the most gorgeous human being you ever did see. You both waved awkwardly to each other, offering up small timid smiles. But that moment was too short-lived, they pulled up in front of the motorhome and after some inspection, they were on their way down the road.

It was just a fleeting moment, but it was enough to make you think about it for the rest of the trip, but you knew you'd never see him again; that is, until you soon found their motorhome of the side of the road with smoke rising out of the hood of the engine. "Oh my, Don, look who it is!" Your mother screeched, frantically pointing her finger. "Oh, we gotta help them!"

"What seems to be the problem here, fellas?" Your father asked once he exited the motorhome.

"Uh, smoke started rising from our engine." The father of the Millers said, nervously scratching behind his head, his son looking just as awkward.

"Well, there just so happens to be a garage nearby a ways. You're in luck, we have just the tool to hook y'all up to our motorhome so we can take ya there? How's that sound?"

"T-that sounds amazing. Thank you so much!"

Your eyes widened and a rush of heat quickly came to your face as the boy you had seen before entered your motorhome, your father insisting that they ride in yours as he drove them to the garage. "Hi." The boy stuttered, wearing a nervous smile. "Uh, is that seat taken?" He pointed on the small couch you were sitting on.

"Uh, no. Go ahead." You patted the seat next to you, trying to control your rapidly beating heart. "Sorry, what was your name again?"

"Kenny." He smiled, a very beautiful smile; and you gave his yours as well. "Nice to meet you, well, I guess it would be the second time technically."

After a little bit of small talk and picking up the rest of his family, you settled into a comfortable atmosphere with Kenny, playing on each of your own separate Nintendo DS. "So, you take trips with your family often?" You asked.

"Oh no, this is the first time we've ever traveled together." His eyes quickly widened as you gave him a confused look. "In a while!" He added. "First time in a while." He chuckled nervously. "We don't get out often."

"Us either. My parents usually have to take days off of work to even go out to dinner, so I understand that."

"Well, your parents seem cool." To that you scoffed. "Are they not?"

"They can be...eccentric."

"Rather that then no parents at all, I guess." He frowned.

"They have their moments, for sure. But you know how it is, the teenager always has to be rebellious in some way. At least, that's how most teenagers are. You don't seem like the type though. I mean, you look like you'd be really nice to yours parents. Make them coffee or breakfast in bed, that type of thing." You giggled, causing Kenny to blush and cast his gaze downwards. "I didn't mean that as a bad thing, it's sweet."

Kenny shrugged. "I've been picked on too many times to know that I'd never want to treat anyone else that way, no matter what. So, I guess that's sweet."

"Yeah, me too."

"You've been picked on too? A pretty girl like you? No way."

You blushed furiously, not used to compliments from someone other than your parents. "No one else seemed to think that in school. But I was picked on for more than my looks, just my interests seemed to bother people. It was mostly nerd or geek that got thrown at me in the hallways, even in classrooms when the teacher was teaching, sometimes they'd even laugh."

Kenny frowned. "It seems like we have a lot in common." He chuckled bitterly, but it made you smile.

You and Kenny talked a lot during the ride, getting to know each other and sharing interests, which the two of you happened to share most of them. You felt a little bad that the garage was closed for the day because of how happy you felt that you'd get to spend more time with this boy. You lived a very sheltered life, your parents being the way that they are; you knew you probably didn't have a realistic idea of romance, but man, you felt like you were in one of those cheesy romance movies. The way you both blushed when you caught each other's eye, or the way sparks seemed to fly at every accidental touch. It felt magical, if that kind of thing even existed.

Pulling in to one of the campsites that wasn't too far away from the garage, you started to get nervous as you knew what came with camping with your parents. Campfire songs, making up ghost stories, Pictionary, those were the tame ones. But thankfully, it was a simple game of Pictionary.

You eagerly waited for Kenny to start his drawing, finding yourself to start actually having fun even with your parents forcing all of you to play the game. He started off by drawing thick, black lines and everyone started shouting out their guesses, but your head snapped in the direction of his mother who started shouting, "A dick! Big, black dick! Black cock!" You had to hide your look of shock, but felt even more bad once you saw Kenny's embarrassed face.

Taking your time to really analyze the drawing, it finally clicked. "A skateboard?" You spoke over Rose's obscene guesses.

Kenny looked to you with a startled but thankful expression, allowing a small timid smile to adorn his face. "Yeah. Exactly." He chuckled breathlessly.

You felt heat quickly rise to your face as you noticed everyone around you was looking at you in shock, it's like you just figured out rocket science. "I suck at drawing, obviously." Kenny sat down beside you, the game coming to an abrupt end after his parents went off to talk in private.

You gave him a sympathetic smile. "You tried your best, that's all that matters. Sorry about my parents, forcing you all to play this silly game." You chuckled.

"Oh, no, I had fun. I wish I had parents like yours. Well, uh, not that they're bad or anything. We just don't really have those family game nights too often."

"You talk like your parents are gone all the time. Rose and David seem nice enough, but I don't have to live with them, of course. So, I shouldn't say anything, sorry."

"No, it's okay! I just wouldn't take your parents for granted."

You smiled. "I don't. I just feel like I need breathing space, is all." You started to blush when Kenny didn't respond, simply looking over your face like he was trying to memorize ever detail, the soft expression making the butterflies in your stomach to flutter. You were thinking about leaning in before he spoke again.

"Well, it's getting late, isn't it?" Kenny blurted, quickly standing up and you following his actions. "Sleep is important, you know!" He giggled nervously, giving you a friendly pat on the shoulder before walking away to your motorhome, stumbling slightly.

Was it something you said?

To say you were disappointed would've been an understatement. You really thought Kenny would go for the kiss, you wanted him to so very badly. But then again, you realized he wasn't the type to just go for it and neither were you, which complicated things. Your feelings for him were clear to you, even for the very short time you had gotten to know him, but your insecurity told you that maybe he didn't feel the same. Needless to say, you didn't get much sleep that night.

It was a bit awkward when you both had to part ways the next morning. Honestly, you didn't really want to even be seen because of your embarrassment, but your mother wouldn't let you be rude. You gave polite smiles and waves to the Miller family, not making eye contact with Kenny just to spare yourself from the ache you knew you'd feel if you did.

Over the course of the next couple days, you were still stuck in this funk that you couldn't seem to shake. All your thoughts were of Kenny. You spent most of the time sulking, much to your parents' dismay. They would try to get you to sing along with them whenever they burst out into song from various musicals, saying that you'd feel better after singing a song. But you just weren't up to it, it was annoying, and you rarely could ever turn down a sing-a-long. But alas, even when you stopped at the fairgrounds one of your last stops on the road trip, you didn't feel as excited as you normally would be. That was, until, you spotted Kenny in the crowd.

You didn't really believe in fate or destiny, but you couldn't deny some sort of force wanting you two to be drawn together. You felt your face heat up quickly once he spotted you yourself, a large goofy grin plastered on his face and making his way towards you. "Y/n, wow! Didn't think I'd see you here." Kenny laughed breathlessly, the beautiful sound making your heart beat rapidly.

"I didn't think I'd see you here either. A coincidence, huh?" You replied, wearing a weak smile. You weren’t the type to be petty, but your ego was still bruised from the other night. You honestly just felt like you wanted to crawl into a hole and die. “So, what are you doing here?” You quickly noticed the gauze taped to the inside of his elbow. “Are you okay?” You asked, your concern overpowering your pettiness.

Kenny looked down at his arm with wide eyes, almost forgetting that the gauze was still even there. “Oh, that!” He chuckled nervously. “I, uh, had to go to the emergency room…”

“What? Why?”

Kenny’s face reddened, the thought of retelling the story making a coil of embarrassment tighten in his gut. But with your face so deeply etched in concern, he couldn’t not tell you. “Nothing too serious, just got bit by a spider. But I’m okay now!”

“Goodness, glad you’re okay. I hate spiders. Where were you bitten?”

Kenny waved you off quickly. “Ah, that’s not important. Anyway, I’ve got some time to kill, wanna walk around together or something?”

“You…want to hang out?”

“Only if you’re up to it!” Kenny stuttered. Man, he was so cute. The hopeful smile on his face made you forget why you were even upset with him in the first place, so of course you agreed.

And just like how you and Kenny were those couple days ago, you both easily slipped back into that comfortable awkwardness with each other, sharing nervous smiles and giggles and terrible jokes that no one else would find funny but the two of you. You both rode the various rides that the fair had to offer, admiring the way everything lit up as the sun started to descend on the horizon. You felt your phone buzz in your pocket, a text from your mother saying that you had to come back to them soon so you could watch the fireworks as a family. You frowned, your day that turned perfect as soon as Kenny found you had to come to a close when all you wanted was for it to last forever.

“What’s the matter?” Kenny asked.

“I have to go soon. The fireworks are gonna start soon and my mom wants us to watch them together. Then it’s back on the road to head home.” You sighed, tucking your phone back in your pocket. “How about we ride the Ferris wheel before I leave?”

The seats in the Ferris wheel weren’t that spacious, the seat only holding two people at a time, so you had to fight the blush when you and Kenny had to sit side by side, your knees touching each other. But thankfully, even if you were blushing, the red lights would hide it. And Kenny, he was full on blushing, but you didn’t notice. He never thought knees touching each other could be so intimate, and yet… “I really wish you didn’t have to leave after this.” He whispered, barely audible over the carnival music and wind in your ears, but you heard, and it made your heart thump violently in your chest.

“Me too.” You admitted, causing Kenny to look at you with a sad smile, all the bright colorful lights in the fair collecting in his bluish green eyes, making them shine brilliantly. God, you wanted to kiss him so badly, but the Ferris wheel stopped and you both had to leave the seat. “Walk me back?” You asked with a hopeful expression, smiling when he agreed.

“Kenny? Where’ve you been, bud?” A voice called out, quickly recognizing the man as Kenny’s father, David. “Come on, we gotta go drop off these drugs before-” His eyes widened as he only just noticed you standing behind Kenny, the rest of his family coming to stand behind David.

“Drugs?” You looked at Kenny in confusion. “What’s he talking about?”

Kenny looked back and forth between you and David, his mouth agape and unable to speak. “Okay, I’ll just spit it out. They’re not my real family. We’re drug smugglers, Y/n, I am so sorry-”

“What?” You jumped as you heard your mother screech from behind you. “You all are drug dealers?”

“No, no, no, drug smugglers. There’s a difference!”

David quickly shushed everyone. “Look, he’s just been in the hospital, he’s all loopy from whatever they gave him. He doesn’t even know what drugs are, okay?” In the middle of his rant, a tall muscular man stood behind the fake family, his expression angry and it scared you. It only took a couple seconds for him to realize you and your mother were staring behind them in shock, and they all jumped back in surprise when they finally turned around to see the scary man. “Oh, you’re not dead. Thank God.”

The large man only responded by holding up his pistol, cocking the hammer. “He’s got a gun!” Your mother cried out, holding onto you tightly. He started to point the barrel at all of you until the door to your motorhome suddenly opened, your father quickly intercepting and knocking the man unconscious. 

“Y/n, go find a police officer.” Your father ordered as he ziptied the man.

You ran off immediately, but you didn’t get very far. Another man, significantly smaller than the other one, grabbed you by the forearm, trying to twist you around but you struggled and fought against him. But his grip only tightened painfully and you froze in place as he placed his own gun to your head, “Fight or make a sound, and I’ll pump you full of lead, girl.” You could only nod silently as he brought you back to the scene, tears in your eyes as you looked to your parents in fear, glancing over to see Kenny looking at you with almost the same amount of fear.

“Please don’t hurt her.” Your father begged after he gave up the gun he took from the fallen man, and his coffee mug. To your immense relief, the man holding you pushed you away and back into the arms of your parents.And after some back and forth between the Millers and the drug dealer, the fireworks finally started. Lucky for you all, the drug dealer got distracted and allowed for David to knock the gun out of his hand. But it felt like it was all over when the man pulled out another gun, aimed straight at David and about to pull the trigger, until Kenny punched him in the face.

You stared in shock as your father immediately went to tie up the man, unable to help yourself in thinking about how impressed you were with Kenny. 

With a soft smile, Kenny walked back to you with a confident stance. “Kenny-” You were quickly interrupted as he pushed his lips against yours in a passionate kiss, very unexpected coming from sweet and timid Kenny. You made no effort to pull away, you didn’t want to, not when this was what you wanted for half a week now. He moved his lips against yours with expertise, but you didn’t even think to wonder how he learned how to kiss so well. Your eyes briefly opened in shock as he rolled his tongue against yours, you didn’t even know what he did, but you couldn’t help the quiet moan you let out as he made that pleasant move. “Oh…” You sighed as he finally pulled away, your eyes glazed over as you stared into his with admiration.

“God, I’ve wanted to do that for so long.” Kenny chuckled breathlessly.

“Why didn’t you do that sooner?” You asked.

“Didn’t think you felt the same way, and I was scared. But considering you didn’t slap me, I guess that means you do feel the same. If you want to, I’d love to take you out on a proper date. You know, without the threat of death.”

“Of course.” You smiled, leaning up to place a quick kiss on his lips. But that smile quickly left your face as you saw your father’s disapproving stare. “Dad-” He brought his hand up and gave you that parent look, making you shut your mouth.

Your father looked Kenny up and down, sizing him up before speaking. “Now,” He started, “I normally wouldn’t allow my precious daughter to date a criminal, especially a drug smuggler…but, you helped save my family and that makes you alright in my book.”

He gave you and Kenny a small smile, barely seen under his thick mustache. “But unfortunately, I’m gonna have to place you under arrest…or, you could be a witness and testify against who made you do this. You’d all have to be placed under witness protection, but better that than a jail cell, right?”

It wasn’t an ideal circumstance, but you and Kenny made it work. After a few months, you were finally allowed to see him again. He finally took you on that date like he promised, and it was almost normal, like he wasn’t under witness protection. But that didn’t matter to you. All that mattered was that you got to spend time with him. He was the perfect boyfriend, even with all his endearing quirks, but it just made you care for him even more. 

Despite the odd way the two of you met and the illegal situation, you couldn’t have been happier.

~~~~~~~~~~

kenny is baby

[thefirstknife]

Of Queens and Worms

Gotta nip this this one in the bud, folks. This is about the Parasite exotic grenade launcher quest so if you haven't played it in full, spoilers.

The gist of it is the following: Mara showed up to the Enclave on Mars with Savathun's worm that was exorcised and told us that it can provide us with insight into the Collapse because Savathun was, in fact, there on the behalf of the Witness. Intriguing stuff!

The problem is, the worm is a worm. While it's funny when it talks, it's also deceptive and prone to bargaining. Luckily, Mara has experience with talking to bargaining deceptive creatures. She tells the worm she will "provide a host" for it, if it tells us about the Collapse. The worm then puts us through a dramatic ordeal where it exaggerates its health problems and wants us to carry it and so on.

It also talks to us about Mara and attempts to sway us against her. That's what I'll be talking about because I know the Destiny fandom and I know that many people will be prone to say that the worm is more trustworthy than Mara.

The first thing it tries to do to make us distrust Mara:

Ghost counters this by saying the worm is lying, however Mara immediately interjects, admitting:

Worm and Mara then argue a bit and Mara warns the worm to "put the tricks out of the Guardian's head" to which the worm replies "you first!" Oh no, Mara has plans to kill everyone! Anyway.

Mara contacts us a bit later to explain this and says the following:

Guardian. About what was said before... my "contingency" plans. Darkness corrupts. Eris, my brother Uldren... you. Whether it be in this timeline or another, we cannot risk it. Sparing you all that dark fate is... is my burden.

This bit is important because it mentions "timelines." From the CE lore book:

If Mara botches her endgame against Savathûn and against the entity that she believes rules in Darkness, all of the sacrifices she's made will be for nothing. And she knows, thanks to Elsie, that in many possible futures her sacrifices were in vain. She knows she was betrayed by her own friend, Eris Morn.

You see why it's so hard for her to trust? She entrusted her very life to Eris. And yet even Eris turned against her, in one possible world.

Elsie has told Mara about the dark futures and failed timelines. She had to. Mara plays a pivotal role in all future timelines, as our ally, but she is always ultimately betrayed and killed. Knowing these outcomes has made her extremely paranoid, understandably. She has enough enemies without her allies turning into ones as well.

She made contingency plans to kill anyone who might get corrupted in order to prevent a bad outcome foretold by Elsie.

After the dialogue in the mission where Mara explains it further, Ghost is not very happy about it, to put it mildly. But Mara continues explaining herself saying it's all "an absolute last resort." She's very adamant to convince us that she's not lying to us. It's very strange to hear her like that because usually she doesn't care what others think of her, especially a Guardian or a Ghost. But she cares in this case. She wants us to know that she is our ally.

Further into the quest, Mara briefly leaves us without explaining why and we're left on our own with the worm. It's very strange because it happens just as the worm discovers it was cursed by Savathun and begins dying (again). However, Mara re-appears and explains why she left:

Just as we've seen in the beginning cutscene for the quest, it appears that the Witness is actively seeking Mara out and giving her visions of doom. The fact that she admitted she doesn't know what to do, that she has no plan and that she's afraid .... It's chilling. Mara always knows what to do and always has a plan. And she would never admit to being afraid. And yet in this case, she does.

At the end of the quest she shows up in person and reveals the plan she did have, for the worm. She never planned to take the worm into herself! Of course! Why would she risk her own life like that? She always planned to put it into a weapon (something no doubt learned from her bestie, Eris, an expert in Turn Enemy Into Gun class). In order for this trick to work, she had to remain deceptive in order to deceive the deceptor (the worm). She couldn't tell us in order not to risk the worm accidentally becoming aware of the scheme. Honestly, it's brilliant. Despite knowing this is the quest for the exotic, I was still surprised as to how we actually acquired the exotic.

My main point here is that I know how people do not like and do not trust Mara. And I know that people will absolutely jump to believe a literal deceptive worm who lives for lies and trickery over believing Mara. Because the worm revealed to us that Mara had plans to kill everyone (and probably still does). Except her plans to kill everyone are based on information from Elsie and are entirely here just to prevent yet another failed timeline. So if we don't trust Mara here, we have to also not trust Elsie or Eris or even Ikora, all of whom are allies with Mara.

Ultimately, after multiple threats to its life, the worm finally delivers on what it promised. Despite remaining cryptic, Mara understood the message and retreated to prepare for the incoming fight against the Witness, something she seems to be uniquely focused on for now. We need her and she needs us for the future of humanity. I'll leave this with Ikora's words from the CE book:

Mara will never tell the truth when she can afford to lie. She will never act directly when she can afford to move a pawn. But the opposite is also true: she will never lie when she can afford to tell the truth.

She just rarely considers it safe to do so. If your enemy knows how the bomb works, they can disarm it.

I believe Mara has begun to consider that she may not be the prime executor of her own endgame. She may be just one component of the bomb—a payload or a timing device. At the end of her own journey, she is necessary but not sufficient. She can no longer fight alone.

[sunbecms]

"yeah in your opinion!" in his inebriated state, sebastian found octavius' stubbornness and reasoning silly and amusing - endearing, even - rather than selfish and annoying. "we should've nipped the whole problem in the bud and just shared the bed." seb's comment is a joke, but it's followed with a wink. probably would've started the semester off a lot easier, gotten rid of the initial tension for sure. "i never understood the whole 'jock' thing. like, am i a jock? or do i have to be on some kinda team? if you hate 'em so much, i gotta clarify." he's being unserious, just messing around. technically he did play intramural soccer and spent time most nights at the gym, but he'd leave the distinction up to his roommate. "never ever, ever. don't listen to brad." as if to prove the point, seb guided him away with his arm and body. in doing so, he stumbled a bit. "shit, almost spilled my drink."

"i told you back then and i'll tell you ever time, i just work better farther away from the door. if someone was going to kill us, better they get you than me." he laughed now thinking back to it, but he knew that he was a pain in the ass. hell, if sebastian brought that up while they were sober, he'd probably start bickering about it all over again. octavius wrapped his arm around his roommate's waist when he felt the hand on his back. seemed like he had a reputation, but he was too buzzed to care. "ahh come on man, don't worry. if i listened to everything a jock told me, you'd probably be enough to run me off of this campus." another laugh as he raised his red solo cup. "don't sweat it. i know you wouldn't talk that much shit about me." no he didn't, but he drank anyways.

[blackgirl-galactica]

Rockin Wit Mars ☄🔥⚡(Part 1)

Hey yall!

I wanted to come back and do another series about MARS through the signs. I'll do Aries-Virgo Mars in this post and Libra-Pisces in the next one.

Mars is the planet of "war," as some will describe it. Yet, Mars isnt just about fighting and getting over on your enemies(but it's a big part of it), it's also about how we expend our energy and even detail our work ethic/how we approach our projects. It may also represent our sexual instincts (I'll talk about that in another post if yall want). Mars can also detail what kind of leader we would be (Aries rules the 1st zodiac and its represented by Mars) in the times a transit Mars may aspect your natal Mars!

With furthur ado, let's get started!

ARIES MARS:

Wow Mars is in its home sign here. Meaning that an Aries Mars will definitely radiate peak Mars energy. Aries Mars are confrontational, let me just put that out there first 🤣, or more prone to be. Yet, this isnt a bad thing. Aries Mars dont like wasting time, they get to the root and nip it in the bud! Aries Mars are like "you gotta problem then let's address it." LOL. They can be good leaders! Yet, they must be aware of being too self-centered or in their ego (Aries rules self) and be willing to listen to others when they need to. As some may know, Aries are so impatient 🤣🤣🤣, and they may get frustrated easier because they approach projects with that Mars energy. So it may be better for them to pick projects that are quick for them to pick up and are easier to get through, yet that doesn't mean patience isnt a virtue for you, Aries Mars. A little patience goes a long way ❤🔥.

TAURUS MARS:

Speaking of patience, this mars sign may be a bit more patient and not as reactive. Earth signs in general are usually less reactive, so a Taurus Mars may not be as quick to confrontation as an Aries Mars. Yet, if you fuck with their possessions or shit that is dear to their hearts, you best believe you will hear from a Taurus Mars 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Taurus represents possessions and material things that make us comfortable, so dont try to do that to a Taurus Mars. Also, a Taurus Mars will not let up until you see their side (lol that Taurean stubborness) because they know for a fact out of everything you do, you mess with their stuff. Taurus Mars can be good leaders in areas they are really passionate about because that fixed energy doesn't let up which can really help them go far. I've also noticed Venusians dont waste time on things they arent passionate of (but that's another story for another post). But yeah Taurus Mars, just remember to listen to others as well, because I know that stubbornness 🤣🤣. You never know, some ideas may be better than you thought from the other side.

GEMINI MARS:

Oh wow this placement can also make for a good leader, that is, if they can focus on one particular thing at a time and not try to do 1000 things at once. A gemini mars uses their mars energy in their words. A gemini mars isnt afraid to express their ideas, especially if it means they are taking charge or using that mars energy towards their projects. I think this makes them good collaborators. They also may argue with siblings alot (Gemini represents our siblings) or not afraid to get into it with a neighbor. Since Gemini is a mutable sign, this Mars sign may be a bit all over the place when upset, but once they calm down they can definitely communicate how they feel.

CANCER MARS:

Now alot of people like to underestimate a cancer. Yet, they are represented by the crab. Hit and get pinched 🦀🦀. A cancer mars doesn't want to be confrontational unless they seriously have to. Also, cancer mars may react alot out of emotion to feel like they need to protect themselves. They are represented by the crab. That's not bad though, because cancer is cardinal, and a cardinal sign gon make sure you dont play with them 🤣. Its also a good way for them to have emotional boundaries, but Cancer Mars dont react on everyone so badly, take a minute to assess first if you dont do so already. Yet, this energy makes Cancer Mars a good leader especially within their family as Cancer rules over the home. They fight for their relatives and just people they care about in general. And dont let a parent be a cancer mars because you will hear from them if someone is bullying their child at school (you been warned). Speaking of, a cancer mars may also be very defensive/protective when it comes to women (cancer = feminity= women), so they can be good leaders when it comes to being a feminist or fighting for women's rights. On the flip side, unfortunately, a cancer mars may run into alot of issues/arguments with women. It just depends on the individuals natal chart and how the mars is placed.

LEO MARS:

A Leo is ruled by the Lion 🦁. Yall think a lion is scared easily lol? They are known to be the king of the jungle. With that said, a Leo Mars is a very confident leader. They also may not be afraid to get into it with men (Sun rules over men/father) or their dad. Like Cancer Mars, dont fuck with a Leo Mars kids as Leo represents 5th house themes like children. A Leo Mars may be aggressively confident with their projects and they demand to be seen/listened to if they are collaborating with a group. Which is not bad Leo Mars, but remember let someone else be the star for once 🤣. A Leo Mars also may make their enemies upset on purpose, like "look at me I'm fabulous and you not bitter betty" LMAO I SEE THEM DOING THAT. Yet, be mindful not to be too prideful or arrogant with it if you're in a leadership position Leo Mars. That pride and arrogance, esp if it's coming from a malicious place when someone hurt ya feelings, can be ya downfall.

VIRGO MARS:

Let me just say I never wanna get into it with a Virgo Mars 🤣🤣🤣🤣. A Virgo Mars is something serious. They are mercury ruled, meaning like Gemini Mars they combat with words. This also makes them a good leader as well, yet Virgo Mars good leaders were once criticized themselves before. A Virgo Mars can definitely thrive as a leader in the health or science area or in an area involving heavy research. Yet, a Virgo Mars may run into alot of issues at work or with their boss (Virgo = employee/employer relationship) if they are not careful. A Virgo Mars may approach their projects with a very methodical, razor sharp, meticulous energy. Yet, if you are collaborating with others Virgo Mars, be mindful to not use that Mars energy to painfully criticize others or be upset when someone in the group criticizes you. Definitely a leader that can handle the details, but be mindful that others have good opinions too.

That's all for part 1! I'll be back with part 2 soon!

Love yall,

-Claude

[redrobin-detective]

Where's my anyone + roulette au

“You’re a disgrace to the name of One For All,” A tall, well built woman said with a vicious hiss. “That quirk should have gone to someone Toshi chose, someone he loved, not stolen by some criminal.”

“uh thanks,” Izuku said, squinting his eyes and looking around the nebulous sphere he’d ended up. The last thing he remembered, he’d been hunched over his laptop trying to both nip a potentially ugly server fight in the bud while figuring out where he was getting next week’s budget. He’d been thinking that bank near Edgeshot’s agency had really shoddy security when he’d ended up here.

Wherever here was.

“Come on, Nana,” a giant bald man said appearing out of nowhere to stand next to Izuku. He placed a large hand on top of Izuku’s head which, after months of living with a clingy cryptid, activated his fight or flight reflexes. As always he chose fight and tried to bite the hand which, unfortunately, was incorporeal. The man just laughed at his efforts which only enraged Izuku more. “You gotta admit the kid’s got gumption.”

“Indeed,” said a quiet man with marks over his eye. “He may be a criminal in name but he acts with a righteous heart.”

“No, no, I’m actually a villain,” Izuku said with a raised eyebrow. He was assuming he was in One For All the quirk - which would be both fascinating and terrifying if he didn’t have budgets he should be working on. Also he very much not in the mood to debate the morality of his actions with a bunch of dead heroes who’d apparently been spying on him. Do they ever turn off or were they constantly there like when he’s in the shower or throwing a burnt pan of soup into space.

“He knows my brother,” one said quietly from the back. He was frail and hunched over but familiar in a way. There was a glint of All For One’s calculations in his gaze when he looked up through his stringy hair. “Izuku freed him from his prison, led to his healing but also prevents him from committing even worse atrocities.”

“It’s hilarious you think I can control the monster who decided to move into my apartment and mother hen me,” Izuku deadpanned.

“You have more power over him than you believe,” All For One’s brother said enigmatically. Oh so being cagey was a family trait then. Izuku was very thankful he wasn’t like that at all. “A compromise then,” he said louder to address more of the spooky ghost like figures that had appeared. Eight in total but one was more mist than man; Izuku studiously avoided looking at the All Might figure. “You may be a villain but you are not quite evil. You broke the chain of One For All, stealing it for selfish purposes but I do believe you are uniquely positioned to fulfill it’s ultimate purpose.”

“Would he really kill his-” one asked

“It’s not up to us, our time has passed,” the brother said with a playful smirk, like an uncle about to pull a marvelous prank. Izuku dreaded his next words. “You may have One For All but you also get every other quirk stored within it. And-” his eyes glimmered, “you don’t get a choice on what quirk you’re given on activation.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Izuku argued. “I can’t play Russian Roulette with my quirk every time I use it.”

“This whole situation is ridiculous,” the brother acknowledged. “If you’d have been patient and didn’t feel the need to turn to crime, Toshinori might have given you his quirk willingly. All that’s left is for you to master One For All to it’s fullest potential.”

“By giving me several quirks at random?”

“You’re clever,” he dismissed. “You can handle it. If not, I’m sure my brother has a nice vault waiting for you to keep you safe. Is that acceptable Number Seven?”

“If the brat manages to kill All For One, then I might consider him forgiven,” the woman grumbled. “He’s the Ninth, whether we like it or not. Maybe he can finally take All For One down, take that burden off Toshi’s shoulders.”

“I literally did not ask to be caught up in this crazy prophecy,” Izuku commented, already feeling himself fading from the world. 

“Should have thought of that before you stole the quirk.” Izuku woke up in a flash, overbalanced in the chair he’d been sleeping in and crashed to the floor. Maybe if he just laid there for the rest of his life, all of his problems would miraculously resolve.

“Izuku, I heard a crash, are you alright?” All For One said, teleporting into the room and crushing Izuku’s hopes for a moment of peace. 

“Your brother’s a jerk,” Izuku mumbled, still face first in the carpet.

“Why do you think I declared war on him and all his successors?” All For One quipped. “He’s also been dead over a century, why do you bring him up?”

Izuku extended his hand to activate his quirk and instead a tendril of black whips sprang out. The villain dodged, was the whips retracted.

“He switched the game to hard mode, randomizer setting. Also he mentioned something about a vault?” All For One made himself conspicuously absent after that leaving Izuku on the floor with a headache and a bunch of quirks he couldn’t control. 

“I should’ve gone with Mom,” he concluded with a sigh.