#you've made me excited for my current AND future ships

[chaos-monkeyy]

Hi there!

I’m curious about these:

1. How many words have you written this year?19. What’s one pairing you want to explore next year?

I hope your day will be wonderful 🌻

I hope your day is wonderful too, thank you! 🥰

1. How many words have you written this year?

According to AO3, I have posted a grand total of 92,099 words this year! My goal is to break 100K by the end of 2022... and I've still got a few weeks left, including some holiday time off work, and at least one partially-written WIP 😂 I think I can make it! 🤞

19. What’s one pairing you want to explore next year?

That's a damn good question 😮🤔 If I'm cheating slightly, I really want to finish the Stargate SG1 OT4 team fuck WIP that I started, which is technically a ship I haven't posted yet 😆 (Jack x Daniel x Sam x Teal'c), as well as my Veddie smut. There's a couple ships I'm hoping to get back to a bit or keep going with a little more, like Dreamling, Lokius, and izzykraken.. I keep meaning to write my SWTOR-Fenn with Vector and/or other random NPC characters again, and one of my other own characters 😂🙈

But that is really not "one" pairing is it, oops 😂 Mostly I'm excited to explore whatever random new pairings pop up, grab me by the lapels, and make me go oh 👀 hiiiiii 👀👀

(AO3 wrapped writers ask game!)

[kookie-doughs]

Again And Again

Portgas D Ace X Reader

-Amatsuki Y/N decided to stay in the future without her sister upon meeting a friend’s son.

Chapter 5: O Captain! My Captain!

The moment Edward said you were to go on this mission alone was the moment you declined.

Earlier before receiving your current mission, quarter of the crew had been dispatched to search for a fruit. Of course Edward hadn't told you what the fruit was, you declined that mission. After all Ace wasn't one of those deployed.

But today, you didn't have a choice. Still on the same island, Edward had told you to retrieve something else than the first dispatch, and you were to do it alone.

You declined firmly not wanting to leave Ace's side but you had no choice, when he reminds you he was your captain. You had asked, begged even that he sends another person but he firmly sent you.

You were by far the strongest in the crew, second only to your captain. That was the only plausible reason you thought of as to why it had to be you specifically. But then again, what could be so important that you had to be sent?

Right now here you were packing for a mission you don't even know how long will last. You don't even know if the ship would still be docked by the time you finish. But you had to leave for it now.

"Y/N!!!" You turn around to see Ace hopping excitedly to you waving a paper, presumably the new bounty posters. "He's coming!!!"

His giddy and excited screams practically woke up half of the crew that was left on board.

"Ace-"

He jumps to hold you by the hip to spin you around, with the biggest grin you had ever seen. You laugh at his excitement, as he sets you down slowly to keep you from getting hurt.

"Y/N!!!!!" He was jumping and pacing in excitement as he tries to hand you the poster at hand, failing miserably as he was moving around too much.

You hold him by the shoulder still laughing, "Calm down, you're gonna get yourself hurt." As you had held him still you snatched the poster on his hand.

It was a 30 million bounty poster to a boy in a straw hat. A familiar one to point out. The boy with shaggy black hair, round black eyes reminds you of both Roger and Ace coincidentally. The boy also has a scar with two stitches underneath his left eye.

"Monkey D. Luffy." You read the name. You took time trying to rack your mind as to who that name belong to. You can see Ace expectantly waiting for your reaction. "OH!!! ITS YOUR BROTHER!!!"

He cheered once again wrapping his arms around you jumping up and down, squeezing you tight you could hardly breath.

"He's coming!! Where do you think he's gonna be? He's probably on his way to the reverse mountain! What if I go there to meet him?! O-Or maybe I could go to his first island instead! Which one do you think is gonna be his first? Our first island was overran by trees. Do you think that his first island is going to be there? Would meeting him at another island be better? What about Drum Island? Or maybe Alabasta? Alabsta is a kingdom I think that'd be the better option. We should go there! But would meeting him there not be a good idea? What if I end up interfering with his ad-"

You squeeze his squeeze his cheeks with your hand giving him a fish face.

"You're so cute when you're excited." You giggle. "But you're overthinking everything."

Getting away from your hold he gave you a grin, "I just can't wait for him to meet you. You're going to love him! He's also gonna love you! It's gonna be great I swear."

You laugh. "From the stories you've told me, I think having you both in my life would be the death of me."

He pulls you to his chest swaying slightly day dreaming about what could happen, he had the sweetest smile that made your heart melt and your stomach tingle. "I haven't seen him in forever."

"I bet he's missed you too."

"You know you're probably not gonna get to eat much if he ever eats with us." He snickers.

"I don't get to eat much when I'm with you either dummy. Something tells me I wouldn't eat at all."

"Where do you think he'd be? Where would be the best place to meet him?"

"I'd say somewhere with a lot of food. Bring him to Big Mom's territory maybe." You joke.

"I know you're joking but that's actually a good idea." He ponders. "Last time we went there she provided 5 buffet tables for the entire crew."

"Yeah, they never stopped feeding you there. You know like the witch in that fats you up with candy."

"Why did we meet with them again?"

"I don't remember anything after you ate her shortcake. She was trying to kill you."

"Katakuri should've seen it coming. It's his fault."

"As if he could stop you. You grabbed the cake as soon as it came to the room." You laughed. "I still remember the look on his face when he saw you grab the cake. He had the look that he knew soemthing bad was gonna happen at that second and he desperately wants it not to happen."

"His future sight it so cool."

"Oh no is your crush on him coming back?"

He pouts, "I'm just saying... Its really cool. I bet Luffy will be all over him."

"I can also technically see the future, but you don't praise me."

"You're both really cool." He grinned and placed a chaste kiss on your lips.

"Hell yeah I am." You smirked making him chuckle. "Is Katakuri like your favorite pirate excluding us?"

"Probably. I remember them talking about having all those food unlimitedly if pops had agreed to something. Whatever it was Pops should've said yes."

"You don't even know what it is." You laughed.

"I don't need to know. I had all Big Mom's son feeding me." He said proudly. "Those guys are unlimited food I'm telling you."

"Now that I think about it maybe I was right they were fattening you up and then they were gonna feed you to Big Mom. You were the only one eating so much."

"Not true! Everyone was eating!"

"We were but not as much as you. I barely got to eat because his sons kept bothering me and I had to keep watch of you."

"We really should come over again, with Luffy. I'll make sure not to eat her shortcake this time."

"Luffy will probably eat it."

"Well maybe Katakuri will finally do something. He should expect it by now."

Your moment was interrupted by someone at your door clearing his throat. Ace goes to hug you from behind not to block your view on the man at the door.

"Teach, what's up?"

"Pops wanted to remind you that you had to leave." He grinned.

Ace slumps on your shoulder with a pout. You ruffle Ace's hair and removes his arms around you.

"Blame Ace if the old man asks." You say as you grab your bag. "I'll be back, don't do anything rash and stupid and just wait for me okay?"

"Don't take too long~"

~

You'd think a mission personally for you given by Edward would be something important. But alas, it was nothing.

In your hand was an averaged size chest. Inside was 2 devil fruit you aren't quite sure what was, and papers you hadn't bothered to look into yet.

As you returned to the Oro Jackson after weeks of your mission, you'd think you would come back to a warm welcome and cheers for your success, you felt a mix of excitement and anticipation to reunite with the crew... to be more specific Ace.

However, as you stepped onto the deck, your expectation was the total opposite. All that was there was a heavy atmosphere hanging over the crew. Concern etched its way into your heart, and you immediately sought out someone to find answers.

"Guys?" You call out.

Marco was first to notice your return. His eyes widen as if he wasn't expecting you, and looks away.

"Marco?"

He grabs Jozu's shoulder and whispers something. Jozu nods and walks to the direction of Edward's room not looking your way.

"I swear, if you don't fucking tell me what's wrong." You taunt. Glaring at everyone.

"Y/N," Deuce comes up slowly. "We couldn't..."

Your brows furrow. "Deuce, I was gone for two fucking weeks. What happened?!" You yell.

But then a realization hit you. You scan the crowd, and it seemed that your suspicions were right as they all looked away figuring you were about to find out.

There were a few missing faces. But it wasn't just anyone missing.

With a sinking feeling, you approached Marco. "What happened? Where's Ace?" You asked, your voice trembling with worry.

His expression turned somber as he looked away. You turn to the other looking at anyone and everyone.

"Deuce? Vista? Banshee??? What happened? Ace, Thatch and Teach are gone... Why isn't anyone telling me anything?"

At this point you were assuming the worse. And you sure as hell are not going to let that happen.

"Y/N don't." Your heart dropped when a booming voice behind you. Standing, towering above you, you glare him down. "Ace, a week ago. He said he needed to sort things out."

"Sort things out?" You repeated, feeling a sense of worry creep into your heart. "What happened?"

The crewmate hesitated, then softly said, "Thatch is gone. He was killed by Teach."

You felt your stomach churn. "T-Thatch- No, Teach is strong but he can't easi-"

"He stole the fruit Thatch's team was to get."

"What...?"

"Yami Yami no Mi."

A fruit you know. A fruit you hadn't thought you'd come across again since your travel across time with your sister began. A fruit that you and your sister had been asked to stay away from centuries ago.

"Ace... Why would you let Ace-" Your eyes widen as you look at your captain in horror, sending Ace into a suicide mission.

Marco hold you back knowing you, he was aware you were about to pounce the old man.

"Y/N, Ace went against pops' orders! Please calm down and listen!!" He cried out trying to keep you down.

Tears streaming your face you glare at your captain. You stood before Edward, your emotions boiling over with anger and grief. The weight of the recent events, Ace's departure, and Thatch's tragic death felt unbearable, and you couldn't help but direct your frustration toward the captain who had sent you on the mission.

"Why did you send me on that mission?" you demanded, your voice sharp with accusation. "If I hadn't been away, maybe I could've been there for Ace and Thatch."

Edward's expression softened, understanding the pain in your words. He knew you cared deeply for Ace, more than anything, and the thought of not being there for him when he needed you most was a heavy burden on your heart. "I sent you on that mission because I believed in your abilities," he said calmly. "I trusted that you could handle it, and I knew you would always do your best for the crew."

You throw the chest you held at him, "Here's your fucking end results." Your anger flared even more at Edward's response. "Great job huh? We got what you fucking wanted!" they retorted. "Ace and Thatch are gone, and I wasn't there to stop anything all because of you! I could've stopped Teach!"

Edward eyes held a mix of sorrow and regret. "I didn't expect such a tragedy to happen," he admitted. "I didn't foresee that the mission would lead to such devastating consequences."

"I told you I didn't want the fucking mission!" You screamed.

Marco held onto you hoping to calm you down, "Y/N calm down! That's your captain!"

But you, consumed by anger, unable to see beyond the pain. "He may be your captain, but he's not mine," you declared, your words sharp and cutting, eyes locking with Edward's. "I was only here for Ace."

Edward looked taken aback by the statement, but he remained calm. "You may be angry right now, I don't hold this against you. You can have your space to collect yourself, you will always be a part of this crew," he said, his voice carrying a sense of fatherly concern.

Your emotions were too raw to be soothed by Edward's words. "I followed Roger and Oden, and I haven't been been part of this crew for years," you said, voice cracking with emotion.

As you turned to walk away, Marco couldn't bear to let you leave in such turmoil. He knew how much the Whitebeard Pirates meant to you, even after all those years of absence. With a hurried stride, he caught up to you and gently placed a hand on your shoulder, trying to offer some comfort.

"Wait," Marco implored, his voice soft and caring. "I know you're hurting, and I understand that things have changed, but you're still a part of this crew in our hearts."

You stopped, but you didn't turn to face Marco. Tears welled up in your eyes, and you fought to control the emotions threatening to overwhelm you.

"I can't lose him," You said, your voice breaking. "If something happens to him... I don't know what I'd do."

Marco moved to stand in front of you, ensuring that you had his full attention. "You know pops would never let that happen," he said, looking into your eyes with empathy. "We've all been through a lot, and your feelings are valid. This incident shouldn't break us. We can get him back together."

You tried to hold back a sob, your emotions still raw and tumultuous. "I don't know if I can be a part of this crew again," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.

"You don't have to decide right now," Marco said gently. "Take the time you need to sort through your feelings. We'll be here, waiting for you."

You finally met Marco's gaze, finding warmth and understanding in his eyes. "Does Edward hate me?" you asked, fear and uncertainty in your voice.

Marco smiled reassuringly. "He could never hate you," he said. "He knows you're going through a lot, just take your time, we'll all be here for you."

You reached out, embracing Marco in a tight hug, finding comfort in his presence and the reassurance of a friend's unwavering support.

"I don't know what to do," you admitted, your voice muffled against Marco's shoulder.

"That's okay," Marco said, hugging you back. "You don't have to have all the answers right now. Just know that we care about you, and we'll face whatever comes together."

"You know, the reason I came to the future. I was so heartbroken about Roger." As you spoke, your voice trembled. Marco listened attentively, understanding the deep pain and determination in their words.

"He was sick, so there wasn't really anything I could've done to help him... to save him." You say as tears spilled down your cheeks. "I had no choice but to lose Roger all those years ago," you said, your voice heavy with emotion. "It was beyond my control, and I couldn't even come to his final moments."

Marco nodded, his eyes filled with empathy. He doesn't bother saying anything as he figured a friendly ear was what you needed most right now.

"I can't bear the thought of losing Ace, too," You continued. "Not when I can stop it. I can't let the same tragedy happen again."

Marco placed a comforting hand on your shoulder, offering you support. "We'll do everything in our power to get Ace," he assured you. "We'll face whatever challenges come our way. You're not going to be alone here."

As you walked away from Marco, your heart felt lighter than before. The weight of your past still lingered, but Marco's words and support had provided a renewed sense of hope and determination. You knew that you couldn't change the events of the past, but you could shape the future, and you were determined to do everything in your power to get Ace back.

As you prepared to leave the Whitebeard Pirates once again, a sense of gratitude and responsibility welled up inside. You knew that you owed the crew an apology, especially to Edward.

Taking a deep breath, you approached Whitebeard with a mix of nervousness and determination. You couldn't leave without expressing your feelings and acknowledging the support you had received.

"Edward," you said, your voice steady but filled with sincerity, "I want to say I'm sorry."

Whitebeard looked at you, his expression softening with understanding. "You don't have to apologize," he replied gently. "You've been through a lot, and I know it hasn't been easy for you."

You shook your head, feeling the weight of your emotions. "No, I do need to apologize," you insisted. "I said things I didn't mean in the heat of the moment. I know you care for Ace, Thatch and the crew deeply, and I shouldn't have said what I had said."

Whitebeard placed a hand on your shoulder, offering reassurance. "We all say things we don't mean when emotions run high," he said. "I understand your pain and your need to protect those you care about."

Tears welled up in your eyes as you nodded, grateful for Whitebeard's understanding. "Thank you," you said, your voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for letting me be a part a second time."

Whitebeard smiled warmly. "You'll always be a part of this crew, no matter where life takes you," he said. "We've been through thick and thin together, and that bond won't be broken. No matter how much time passes."

You wiped away your tears, feeling a mix of sadness and gratitude. "I'll always cherish the time I spent with the Whitebeard Pirates," you said. "And I promise I'll come back as soon as I can. Make sure to keep a spot open for me."

Whitebeard nodded, his eyes filled with fatherly affection. "Take all the time you need," he said. "Make sure to bring that brat with you."

Previous | Masterlist | Next

SO I WAS SUPPOSED TO POST THIS ON FRIDAY AND ALL BUT LIKE I GOT A MESSAGE FROM MY PROFESSOR THAT WE HAVE A QUIZ SO LIKE I CANT DO THINGS I REALL6 WANTED TO PYBLISH IT EARLIER ANYWAY SO HERE YOU GUYS GOOOO SEE YOU ON SEPTEMBER 8TH 😋 SORRY BTW I JUST HAVE SCHOOL STUFF TO DOOOO

-kookiedoughs

Taglist?

@nykie-love-anime @gayer-than-the-gayest-gay @cinnamonrollscafe @sol-d15

[lesbianjesuslovesyou]

oh dear god. Dear god. Fuck. Dear lord. Dear lord have mercy.

I have fallen through a fever dream of a rabbit hole and indubitably gotten drunk in your fanfics. Like I don’t say this often. But your fanfics legitimately manage to incorporate ALL of my kinks. And theirs like. So fucking many of them.

Your fics + name swapping sites have been legit the only thing that’s kept me going for like the past week. It’s like a drunk haze except I’m not drunk I’m just insanely horny (I recently started testosterone as I’m transitioning. So yeah. That’s why)

but holy FUCK. You’re like some fucking Angel sent from above. You have spanking overstimulation, degradation AND super dom tops + whiney pathetic bottoms??? It’s just. God. So fucking good. I feel delerious just thinking about it. You’ve made me delirious.

Sorry for that long ass intro. I think I just came here to metaphorically ask/ beg if you take requests or any type of prompts or anything?

Fuck I do love the Cytherea and Gideon fics don’t get me wrong I also love the Harrow and Gideon stuff too. I just like a little non/dub con in my smut fics sometjmes. Brings an extra rough element. And you always have Cytherea give off such perfect ‘Mean Mommy Don’ vibes ifnejdjsjdjd.

something even wacker? I’ve never read a single tomb book. I had no idea what it even was. I still haven’t read it yet. I just know the characters single-handedly from your fics. I typically replace all the names with my current favorite ship which is Toradeen. Aka Toralei x Clawdeen from monster high. With Toralei as the bottom cause girlie ain’t topped a single thing in her life and she not about to start now lol.

but what’s so fun is that you’ve seriously gotten me interested in reading those books. I have a severe backlog of books I need to read. But I’m definitely adding the series to the list just cause of you! So uh? Win for the tomb series?

anyway sorry this was long. I just got excited to see you were on tumblr

sa/lkdsnkkgdjhfallbjsfbdsk vjghfdkbjvnskz Oh my GOSH, you are the sweetest!!! I am SO glad you've enjoyed my fanfiction. Truly, that means the world to me. <3 And you haven't even read the series! It is definitely worth looking into; Gideon the Ninth is legitimately one of the best books I've ever read, and it sparked over 130 fanfictions in less than two years... being able to combine my favorite book series with my favorite BDSM tropes and kinks has genuinely made me so happy. I haven't written this much in my whole life, and it's all thanks to this series with the silly goth nun and butch swordswoman.

I do take requests! Sometimes I post on Twitter (@utilitywhiskers) with a "drop # kinks and we'll see what happens" and try to create a fic with the first ones that pop up in the comments.

I'm not on Tumblr as much as I used to be back in my pre-fandom days (when the interface was still easy! and didn't make my computer lag!), but you're also welcome to shoot me a request in my Askbox here. I tend to only write Locked Tomb fics, but I love exploring new kinks.

And since you made me blush like a schoolgirl with your super sweet message, here's a sneak peek of some future fics that I hope to finish once the fandom-wide Holiday Exchange is over: -Dollification -Human Slave AU -Littlespace/Ageplay -T-Dick Blowjobs -Circus AU -Hypnokink -Freeuse Noncon -Judicial Punishment -Serial Killer AU ...and so, so, so many more <3 Thank you again for the super sweet comment. I am sincerely so happy that my fics have brought you joy (and kept you warm at night!).

[mistressheroine]

Twenty Questions for Fic Writers

Tagged by @gneebee - thank you or the tag, sorry it's taken me a while to get to this!

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

I have 4 works on AO3

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

22,405

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Currently I write exclusively for Bethyl in The Walking Dead fandom. I'm open to others in the future but this is what inspires me at this moment in time.

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

(Currently only 4 posted)

Keep Me

A Stolen Moment

Something

La Dame Blanche

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

Yes, I try to respond to every comment even if it takes me a little while to get back to people. I appreciate all the support I get with my writing and even if I just say a quick thank you, it's important to me that I acknowledge if someone has taken the time to write a comment on one of my stories.

6. What is a fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Something - Although I do have an angsty epilogue/alternate ending or La Dame Blanche that I haven't decided if I'm going to post or not yet.

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

La Dame Blanche

8. Do you get hate on fics?

No, I haven't experienced any hate on fics. I only started posting this year but so far the only response I've had has been supportive and positive thankfully.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

I haven't yet but I am interested in writing some if a story goes that way in the future. (Not going to lie, writing smut for the first time makes me feel nervous!)

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

No. I wouldn't be against it if I ever came up with an idea that interested me though.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

I only started posting this year so haven't had an experience of this up to now, or at least not that I've been made aware of.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Not that I'm aware of.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

No.

14. What's your all-time favorite ship?

Daryl Dixon and Beth Greene. I always end up coming back to them even though there are plenty of other ships in other fandoms that I love too. I just can't let them go.

15. What's a wip you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?

I have ideas written out that are usually for scenes rather than complete stories but anything that I make a start on I would lie to finish. I haven't been back to Wildflowers since I wrote the first couple of paragraphs out months ago but only because I have been so consumed with planning out and writing Keep Me. I also have an idea based on Timeless by Taylor Swift which I would love to get written but have no idea when that might be right now.

16. What are your writing strengths?

I'm obsessive about proof reading - I read things through four or five times before I post it to make sure I feel like the flow is right and that I haven't made any spelling mistakes.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

If a particular passage isn't flowing right or I can't get it down on paper I have a tendancy to et a bit stalled instead of trying to move past that section and go back to it.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

I wrote the odd word or phrase in La Dame Blanche and I know very very basic French but I do get nervous about getting the phrasing and grammer wrong so I would tend to stay away from it in general.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Alias (Jack & Irina)

20. Favorite fic you've written?

To date, I would have to say Keep Me. It's the first multi-chpter fic I've attempted and I'm really enjoying planning it out and seeing what direction the characters take me in while I'm writing. It's growing bigger than I originally expected it to but I'm really excited about it.

I will tag @im-immortal @courtneyshortney82 @burningupasun @galadrieljones and whoever else who wants to participate (No pressure to participate at all BTW! I just love all you guys work)

[legendaryprofessorwisteria]

Hey Professor!

I'm a Galarian trainer, and I've come across one type of those odd Paldean pokémon.. well, two but I'll get to the second one eventually. You're gonna need some context

First is the purple Cyclizar-esque lizard. It kind of crashed into my balcony window and I found it in my apartment after getting home from work. (Quick background for me is that I specialize in dragon-type pokemon rehabilitation (from injuries, etc.), and specialize in pseudo-legendary/legendary pokémon, so I had a general idea of what to do.) It wasn't hostile to me— most likely since my partner Dragapult was watching it, but the poor guy was startled and hungry.

Long story short, I managed to catch it after befriending the big guy with sandwhiches. (Perhaps they're food motivated?) They're currently in an ultra ball sitting on my bed as I'm typing this.

Now for the question—

Were you aware of an orange variant? It has white feathers, a throat sac that inflates to resemble a wheel and is around the same size as the purple one? It looks like Cyclizar, but almost dinosaur/fossil pokemon-esque. Similar to the odd Jiggilypuff in a way.

It is also in an ultra ball, it was.. surprisingly very friendly, almost like a dog pokémon. I have a set of clothes in the wash that were covered in drool. No idea how it got in, but there it is.

The purple one will be named 'Jelly', and I've decided to call the orange one 'Peanut Butter' in order not to freak anyone out if I ever mention these two.

Sorry for the long ask, I believe these two occurances should be made known to you.

— Aster

Anon, you may be the luckiest person alive, and it sounds like you were precisely the right person for these two to run into. Thank you so much for telling me about this! What an experience you've had there. I'll respond more - because long post and spoilers - under a cut. I will say now though, we do know about the orange variant!

The two Pokemon you met are formally called Koraidon (the orange one), a Fighting/Dragon type, and Miraidon (the purple one), an Electric/Dragon type. For reference, this is what they look like:

They may look slightly different from the ones you encountered, but that is because these Pokemon are able to take on different forms - much like Cyclizar can stand up on two legs to battle or go on all fours and move quickly, these Pokemon can assume these forms for battle or move around quickly in their other forms. For reference on those forms, I've been sent these wonderful photos from Paldea, where a couple Trainers actually managed to catch both a while back, but their existence was kept between a select few people until these Paradox Pokemon started running rampant (that's how we know so much about them).

Side tangent real quick...aren't they adorable? By Arceus if these things end up being legal to own I might have to put my present plans on hold.

Ahem, that aside, these two are remarkably calmer and more tractable than the other Paradox Pokemon, which was probably why they were receptive to being calmed down by you. They have a confirmed genetic resemblance to Cyclizar, which may have something to do with it - a running theory is that Koraidon is from the past and Miraidon from the future, and because Cyclizar is so remarkably tame and intertwined with human history, the human-friendliness of Cyclizar is also true of its past and future forms! And yes, it does seem that all three are very food-driven.

However...they are also by far the strongest of the Paradox Pokemon, and evidence suggests they command some form of innate authority over others from their time period, akin to a lot of Legendary Pokemon. The lab is actually getting a pair of them and several other Paradox Pokemon that got caught/taken down shipped in soon to test the theory - and because I have a tamed Iron Moth, I'll get to be part of it! Very exciting. So you're very lucky your encounter with these two went so well.

I'd still recommend calling it in to your local professor/s or people who work with Legendaries if you can - we need all the help and info we can get!

[thetruearchmagos]

Swift Seas and Whirlwinds

An Excerpt: Office Call

Another update for this yarn! I've got the overall idea roughly thought up by now, though updates in the future will likely be slower.

@lividdreamz , @athenswrites , @muddshadow , @saedoeswriting

"Good to see you again, Olivia! Been a while since you last popped on shore, hasn't it? Why, I doubt you've been on solid footing in months!" Vice Admiral Olivia D. Oxley, United Commonwealth Navy, hid a small smirk forming on her lips as she turned to face her old friend, and current superior. "Suppose so, but a rather exciting few months, I think. The new carrier's just about ready for a proper tour of duty, and me and Feng are honoured to get to take her out again." He was right, the recent 2 months had been spent at sea, overseeing the first operational cruise of the UCS Mystique, the latest Valorous-class aircraft carrier to make its way out of the vast shipyards of the Commonwealth. She'd spent the better part of those months writing messages to the shore establishment detailing every last failing and default in her current command, of which there were thankfully few, alongside the vessel's proper skipper, Captain Lee Kai Feng, who was even now hard at work getting the ship ready for a second expedition, one far longer than a test ride. In fact, it was due to said impending deployment that Aadan now found herself visiting this old shipmate. Of course, Admiral Sir R. P. Ashvin, Flag Officer Comanding, Naval Fleet Forces, knew about all of that, seeing as he'd been the one who gave the orders in the first place. He chuckled, gestured to a lavish armchair before his desk, and poured out a cup of tea from a delicate, white porcelain teapot. The two now well seated, the conversations went the way they often do between friendly senior flag officers, the chattering about the state of the new fleet and reminiscing over the fate of the old. Then, Sir Ashvin navigated the stream of speech to a more professional matter. "Well, it's certainly nice to have you back on solid ground, Olly. I take it that you were able to keep up to date with recent developments while underway?" A conspirational smirk, "Or has sea service dulled your knack for worming out information you likely shouldn't?" A snort almost unbecoming of such a well presented uniform was the answer, as the Admirals reclined in their seats. "Yes, tragedy what happened to that poor fellow, and it sets back our relations with the Nouvolouis back decades. And, from what I hear, our late Premier Ministre was the only holding back their attack dogs in uniforms, as well. Overall, a tragedy, and likely only to get worse." Her gaze shot upwards, looking the man across her dead in the eye. "And, in order to 'stabilise the situation', the government intends to dispatch assets of the Fleet to the region. Comprising at least one additional carrier to support the Formidable and her group." "So, did I miss anything?" It was Ashvin's turn to laugh, and with a sly grin on his face he made his final statement. "Well, I suppose you might have, but I have a feeling that now you're in my office, you'll know what I'm about to say?" Oxley picked up her cup and drained it dry, before turning left to face the window. A bright, blazing sun beat beat down upon the scene, bathing UC Naval Base Harthport in and uncharacteristically warm atmosphere. Ships dotted the scene as far as the eye could see, from small tugs and civilian yachts churning the sea wash to frigates, destroyers and cruisers the size of hotels tied up on the shore, as hundreds of dots scurried across the docks hauling cargoes aboard. And, set back against the blue sky and light of day, dwarfing ever vessel and thing before her, gazed a towering fortress block sat on a vast, flat deck. There she was, the United Commonwealh Ship Mystique, pride of the navy and flagship of the Vice Admiral herself. It stood in its glory, white paint and all, with a dozen of its children parked upon its flat top, wings folded, and with its legion of attendants seeing to its every need around it. The Ship was ready for war. "When do you want us out?"

[percyjacksonfan3]

I just read all of the orchard verse (currently stuck at home with covid orz) and i am absolutely astounded. It is so good, so profoundly well paced and thought out.

So many moments when I audibly said "THORIN NO!! THORIN!!!" "5 YEARS THORIN JESUS!!" And so on lmao im really feeling like im there with the company through all his idiocy

I immediately gobbled up all the bits you've written for it and am so excited for the next installment aka the barduil bits.

I've never read fic for them before but it is so GOOD AH THE TENSION!!!! JUST MAKE OUT PROPERLY ALREADY AND BE DONE WITH IT FOR CHRIST SAKE

Also THE NECKLACE THING WAS CANON OH MY *GOD* OH MY GOD?? TOLKEIN BRUH THATS SO. I thought that was just some brilliant story telling on your part, but Its REAL??? That is so fucking gay good fucking christ

ANYWAY yeah ur an amazing fic writer and I've been having a blast reading ur fics!! Sorry for the long message akddjfndmd

This has been sitting in my inbox for a while because I've kept coming back to it over and over, that's how happy this message has made me 💖

You know, as a fic writer it's one thing to receive compliments for recent works, but when I get stuff like this about my older fics I just... 🥰 I'm so beyond words, all I can say is I'm so glad you like that verse, it holds such a special place in my heart and it's something I continuously come back to and work on in between hyperfixations. Tolkienverse stuff is such a comfort fandom for me, the only other similar one is BBC Merlin, so I'm glad you like my little contributions 😁

Barduil was actually my first ship in the fandom, Bagginshield I fell in love with through fic and they kind of took over, so I'm especially glad you're liking their fic! It's turned into such a monster I'm debating splitting it into more parts, I'll have to see where it goes since I'm still not done 😬

(Also thank God you said that about the necklace thing because right? Right?? Barduil's whole relationship is just... so good, so much potential, and the films brought them to life in such an amazing way)

Thank you for being patient with me! I know the 'verse isn't done, I have tons more planned for it, and many things are half written and plotted, I just need to get some time to write them. It will be complete, hopefully in the near-ish future, so I hope you're still with me then 😊🥰

For now, I hope you're feeling better and feel free to just message or rant to me about these characters because I am always down to fangirl over them, disasters that they are

[imnotgrimimjustagrumpyreaper]

Everything you never thought to ask and never wanted to know about my Josépan playlist/history with and opinions of the ship.

Intro:

The journey of this playlist has been a long one, starting on Amazon Music and my old, janky and now defunct Ipad.

STRAP IN, CHILDREN AS I TAKE YOU BACK TO A MAGICAL TIME WHEN NEITHER LEGENDS OF THE THREE CABALLEROS; NOR THEIR CAMEO IN DUCKTALES HAD BEEN ANNOUNCED YET, MY BLOG ON TUMBLR DIDN’T EXIST (THOUGH I WAS LURKING) AND PANCHITO WAS STILL THE LEAST POPULAR CABALLERO, otherwise known as around late 2017.

A word on the origins of the playlist:

The playlist was not initially Ducktales focused because the two didn’t exist in Ducktales yet. I was rather unenthusiastic back in the day about this ship (oh how the times change) but I had stumbled across a song that didn’t fit them and Donald but fit just them very well and wanted to make an animatic of it. So, I cobbled together some songs I thought fit the vibe and made a playlist.

The history behind the story that inspired it:

I’ll spare you from starting at the very beginning. But, when “The Town Where Everyone was Nice” premiered I was already thoroughly and utterly obsessed with the cabs; I remember how beyond ecstatic I was for the episode. My hype for the Ducktales versions of José and Panchito continued far beyond what seems to have been normal for the average cabs fan. I found myself drawn to the ideas put forth by those versions of them. I don’t really remember what the tipping point was for me to break down and make my own college AU but eventually I did. It was affectionately dubbed “The TV Show That Will Never Happen AU.” José and Panchito were enemies to lovers or at least to friends. And it was around that time I began to go CRAZY with the headcanons as I got more active in the fandom. While my ideas for the Ducktales versions of them grew and grew, so too did the time between them appearing in “The Town Where Everyone was Nice” and their alleged next appearance in the show. When fans noticed the distinct lack of José and Panchito in the season two finale of Ducktales, Francisco Angones, @//suspenderofdisbelief on Tumblr answered these two separate asks that I might have engraved on tombstone one day:

I was GONE for the ship after that. I developed another AU for them based around their time in Baia trying to get people to fund their attempts to become famous musicians. Also, slowly falling in love... It was affectionately titled “The Fan-Comic that Will Never Happen” but not yet connected to my college AU. I don’t have much of a timeline for it after this point, but with that AU I really hit my stride for interpretations of the two characters and their dynamic. The version of them I hold dear in my heart and headcanons came to be. Then “Louie’s Eleven” came out and absolutely destroyed a lot of my headcanons (just kidding, just kidding). Since the new canon material didn’t really jive with a lot of the wholesomeness I had built up I was left with a lot of something else: angst. I LOVE angst, but the two’s bitterness and arguing...It was hard to accept at the time. Me and @cartoon-lizard on Tumblr, my IRL best friend, wound up writing a Josépan fic fueled on a bit of that angst and by her grace, a lot of my headcanons. I titled it “My Reverie is Being Haunted by That Ass.” In it Panchito makes an ass (rimshot noises) of himself by running off with a producer he met by chance during a visit in Duckburg to try to become famous. And doing so without so much as a second thought to the person he’s been living with/sort of dating for over a year. It took me a while but eventually I figured it out. These weren’t three separate AUs, these were three separate pieces of the same AU. And so my masterpiece never meant to be made came to be: “The Trilogy: College/Baia/Reverie.”

“The Trilogy” Itself:

The story will never be written for a variety of reasons, personal and practical. But if it ever were to be written it would be three separate fics, aka: College, Baia and Reverie.

College encapsulates their college years (duh).

To set the stage:

Panchito: A friendly, arrogant and easily excitable musician with big dreams, good grades and a whole lot of anxiety and insecurity. He has complicated feelings towards his identity as both trans and pan and how that might affect his dreams of becoming famous, but is overall bright eyed and innocent enough.

José: A lazy (depressed), charming, pessimistic, tbh kind of a douche and deep in the closet gay man. He tends to push forward a very “Manly man” persona to make up for his own deep seated internalized homophobia brought on by a shitty upbringing. He just got away from said shitty upbringing and doesn’t really have any hopes for his future...Maybe to travel a bit?

José and Panchito start as enemies, both fearing losing their one real friend, Donald, to the other. Despite this the three start a band and the two’s rivalry becomes far more friendly. They get particularly close during the trip down to Acapulco for spring break where the general feeling of being disconnected from life and reality leads to several rather romantic moments between the two...They almost become a thing several times but never quite do. However, they are very good friends by the end of college. The three stay in contact for a while after college but eventually lose touch…

Baia timeskips forward 13 years later (I know it's only 10 canonically, I always say 13 for reasons) to a conversation between Panchito and José on the Sunchaser at the end of “The Town Where Everyone Was Nice.”

Panchito: Life hasn’t been kind to Panchito...His need to be famous, to be something in order to be someone has led him to push a lot of people out of his life so he can better focus on “Work.” Or drive them out by constantly asking for their support, financial or otherwise. He has no friends and even his relationships with his loving and supportive family are strained. Currently, he’s working freelance as a performer at childrens’ birthday parties (in his eyes: a clown) and goes home to a sad, empty apartment every night to stare at a notebook full of half written songs and muster enough energy to eat cereal for dinner for the third time in a row. Needless to say, his optimism is wearing thin.

José: A lot of hard work on his part, some good therapy and mmm; drugs have put him in a pretty good place. He’s more or less got his life together now, is way less of a douche and is more of a realist than a pessimist. He’s also pretty much completely comfortable in his identity as a gay man. He’s been trying to explore romantic relationships, but unfortunately (likely due to the loveless marriage between his parents making him strive so hard to believe that love is real that he puts the unrealistic goal of true love above all else) feels incomplete without one and double unfortunately has a tendency to be drawn to toxicity and abusive situations. So other than a string of (short lived) bad relationships, he’s actually doing great!

Panchito has already asked Donald to drop everything and stay with him down in Baia to try to get funding for the band. Donald said no. José has a steady job, a decent apartment and a supportive friend group back home. He's also long since lost interest and hope in their college dreams of being famous...José says yes. The two have a bunch of wild and wacky shenanigans trying to get funding and both dance around their growing feelings for each other until it explodes and overwhelms them. They rush into a romantic relationship head first with no real ground for it to be built on and unrealistic expectations of what the other can give them. Despite all this, things seem quite happy...for a while…

If you've made it this far, <3, CONT. in pt 2.

[littlemisssquiggles]

Squiggles, if you've see the wip sneak peak if v8 don't despair just yet. Look at Oscar, his clothes are not torn or covered in dirt and grime. Plus, looking at the environment, there's no Salem clouds, and the city looks fine, not a single burnt thing or sign of the riots. People are saying this may be a flash back. My Favorite idea being this is yang reminiscing on Oscar after she believes he's dead.

Hiya Key! Wait…what? There’s a WIP for V8?

To tell you the truth m’friend, I didn’t know that a WIP was released. My country is currently on storm watch since Tropical Storm Gonzalo was carded to hit us so I’ve been offline on Tumblr until now. As always, thank you once again for keeping me informed for when RT decides to unceremoniously drop V8 content on the FNDM to watch us all implode on ourselves XD

Anyways, that being said, I looked up the WIP you were talking about. Found the clip on YT. As for my thoughts about it…well…I just have one thing to say to the CRWBY Writers in respect to this. Don’t. DO NOT PLAY WITH MY PINING HEART! You did this to me in V6 and I hope they are not doing another V6CH9 fake-out. If this scene is implying what I think it’s implying then I REALLY hope it delivers.

Key…Key…do you know what this means? Key, there is HOPE! I didn’t want to believe. I still don’t want to believe but…there is a crumb of hope! This scene featured a potential future bonding moment…with Oscar and YANG, Key! Sure Jaune and Ren are there too but…but…it more felt like a moment between Oscar and Yang since they were the two characters who were more focused on in the clip; at least to me.

In that regards, I do agree with your point and theory. I do think it’s a flashback. Definitely.  I mean it has to be to since, as you rightfully mentioned; this moment looks more like a light hearted one during a less intense time. I highly doubt our heroes would just be riding idly through the streets of Mantle when Salem is up in the air on her giant Monstro in the sky looking to attack Atlas. So I definitely do think it is Yang having a memory here.

If I had to guess, perhaps it’s a moment where the group are holding a sort of small “funeral” for Oscar after learning of his ‘death’ and as a way to help lighten the mood, everyone decides to share stories of special moments they had with Oscar and this is potentially Yang’s. I REALLLLY hope this is the case because this is what I wanted.

This is what I’ve wanted sinceV6. Shoot, this is what I wanted V6CH9 to be. After Oscar went missing, one of my aspirations was to see a potential Oscar-worthy episode of those closest to Oscar---mainly RNJR---swapping moments they personally shared with Oscar.

If this is what this moment is implying then I am down for it, of course. I’m especially excited to see what Ruby’s special memory with Oscar will be; granted that she’ll even give one since I’m expecting Ruby to be all indifferent and dodgy surrounding Oscar’s death since it’ll probably remind her of her mom’s death. I definitely want to see Ruby’s reaction to Oscar’s ‘death’ most of all.

Besides if they are sharing this WIP for next season, chances are that this scene with Yang, Oscar, Jaune and Ren is either taken from the very first episode of V8 or will be featured at some point during the first few episodes of the season since that’s how it usually goes, correct? Sneak peaks and trailer footage are generally from episode one and/or the first few episodes of the volume.

I’m hoping it’s from the second episode at least. But…I’m not sure since the first previews are generally from the first episode so…who knows? Unless they’re going to have the group hear about Oscar’s death and reminisce about their time with him all in Chapter 1? That too is a possibility but who knows?

Overall, Key…KEY I’M SO HAPPY! That scene made me smile big. We’re going to see Oscar bond with Yang! Yang bonding with her potential future brother (in law) is something my Rosegardening Pinehead shipping heart has dreamt about but never thought we’d get in the canon yet…here it is…kind of?

Then again, I don’t want to jump the gun either and get too excited. Since well…these writers have done this to me before. I haven’t forgotten V6CH9. They’ve baited me before with a potential Oscar-centric episode with the group showing how much they really cared about him and they NEVER properly delivered on that.

What I’m basically saying here m’friend is why I’m pleased with what I’m seeing, I’m also very, very cautious. I don’t want to get too excited about this only for it to not be what we’d hope it would be y’know what I mean?

Nevertheless, the least I can say is whatever happens for the first few episodes of V8---overall I’m excited to see the rest of this moment with Oscar and Yang with Jaune and Ren. Not gonna lie. I will be holding these Writers to this scene until the episode with this footage premieres.

Again, I REALLLY hope it’s a flashback. 

What if…it’s a case where V8 starts off with the audience not knowing of Oscar’s fate down in Mantle for like the first few episodes? Imagine if…for the first few episodes of V8, the only time we see Oscar is in the flashback of memories his friends are having of him while they all deal with his “death” in their own way and the story doesn’t cut to Oscar’s side until…like I dunno, CH4 or something?

It’s only a minor hunch but who knows? I guess we’ll see. Either way, colour me intrigued and excited for the rest of that potential Oscar and Yang bonding memory---at least I hope it’s a memory.

~LittleMissSquiggles (2020)

[mysticdragon3md3]

Stayed up all night and practically wrote several essays, trying to convince myself to not/buy KH3 Nendo Kairi. Sorry, Kairi. Maybe if you weren't $62. Maybe if you were KH2 version. But as it is, spending that much, after also preordering other things, including a more expensive Nendo Aqua,...I just can't spend that much on a KH3 Nendo Kairi without feeling guilty. Sorry, completionism. But $62 is too high.

12:23 AM 6/22/2021

Yknow what?

If I had the choice between only having money for a 2nd Nendo Joker or a 2nd Nendo England, I'd choose Joker in a heartbeat. So what am I trying so hard to decide here? Do not preorder Hetalia World Stars version Nendo UK! Even though he's blond, you haven't had need of that. And if you really needed him blond in a photo, you could Photoshop him! but let's be serious, people want to see authentic Nendos in photoshoots, and his non-blond hair will mark him as authentic. So you don't get called a bootleg buyer! But what do you care what others think? You care that Nendo England looks like the England from your nostalgia...and for that, you need blond. And I can do that through Photoshop. Because seriously, you've barely used or looked at your current Nendo UK, you haven't been compelled/obsessed with more USUK photoshoots, you haven't even been playing with Nendos US UK much. YOU WOULD NOT EVEN _NOTICE_ IF YOU HAD 2 NENDO UK. You only need one. Your Nendo US doesn't even have sandy blond hair like your anime nostalgia! So what does it matter if UK is off-color!?! ...It matters because you have a chance to get proper-color UK hair. But I don't want to spend all this money. When I first saw this figure announcement for Hetalia World Stars version Nendo UK, my immediate thought was that I don't feel the need to have 2 Nendo UK. I already barely play with the one I have. It wasn't until I realized this 2nd edition Nendo UK has blond hair, that I started thinking I had to have it. But if that's the only reason, then I don't really need to. I don't actually have such an intense need to have it. I've barely had an intense need (anymore) to have my current Nendo UK. So I definitely don't need a 2nd one. And if saving my money on this, will allow me to get possibly a better Nendoroid later, well then, this is an opportunity to revisit that "lost battle" where I wasted money on Bayonetta, 2B, etc---*This* time, I could win that "battle". And then maybe in the future, there'll be a 2nd Joker Nendo or Nendos for Claude and Dimitri! *o* In any case, so many figures end up in the Available Now section, that blond Nendo UK will probably end up there. Or, if you're worried to not have a blond UK ready if GSC later releases a properly sandy-blond Nendo US, then I'm sure if they ever announced a 2nd Nendo Amerrica, then they'd re-release the Nendo UKs. This is not even your last chance, you might have extra money to afford a 2nd Nendo UK in the future, but for sure you know, you don't have the money to waste on a 2nd Nendo UK _right now_. So don't. Save your money for that hypothetical 2nd Nendo Joker in his school uniform, or Nendo Dimitri and Claude, or whatever gets announced from the Nendoroid Select '21 survey results. Remember, that still needs to get announced. So, no on preordering Hetalia World Stars version Nendoroid UK.

As for Kairi...Let's be honest (again). I haven't been obsessed with Kingdom Hearts in years. And even when I was, Kairi was barely in them. I don't have that much of an attachment to Kairi. Even though Oathkeeper is my favorite Keyblade because it came from Kairi, sometimes I fear that emotional impact was more the effectiveness of that plot point in that moment of the first game, more than a reflection of my attachment to Kairi. I have attachments to Riku and Sora. When their Nendoroids were announced, I preordered ALL of them right away. Even though I didn't really like KH2 Sora's outfit. Even though it pained my wallet to buy 3 pairs of the same characters, back to back. Even after all these years, those 2 were the characters I was sure of feeling attachment towards. I can't keep judging whether to buy Kairi's KH3 Nendo, based on possible attachments I might feel towards Kairi in KH3. Because I've had that game for months and I still haven't even opened the case yet! O~o! That should be my strongest indicator of my attachments towards Kairi and willingness to buy Nendos for her, especially KH3 Nendos of her. Admit it: Your KH nostalgia is all wrapped up with KH2, Birth by Sleep, and earlier. I shouldn't be making $62 purchase decisions for Kairi, based on KH3---a game that I'm apparently no longer interested in enough to play immediately. Not getting KH3 Kairi's Nendo feels bad as a completionist and as someone who has real life personal attachments to sibling-like groups of 3 friends. But I knew when she was announced that I still preferred her KH2 look, because I've just always liked long(er) hair. And I love her dress in KH2. Yes, I have to gamble on GSC eventually announcing a KH2 Nendo Kairi, and then when I get her, all my "groups of 3 friends" figure photoshoots will be limited to Sora, Riku, and Kairi's KH2 depictions...even though I don't really like KH2 Sora's look...But am I even that compelled to take photos of Sora/Riku/Kairi in the first place? I barely take pics of my current, KH1 Sora/Riku Nendos right now. But if KH3 is my last Kingdom Hearts game (even if my status is still to "eventually" play it), wouldn't I want Sora/Riku/Kairi's last depiction in my memories to be what I own as Nendoroids? I mean, it would be the perfect end-cap image to the series for me. And Square said that KH3 is the end of the Xehanort Saga or something. It's the end cap. ---There I go, basing a Nendoroid purchase on a game I haven't even played yet, while I ALSO already know I prefer Kairi's KH2 look. Y'know what? What if they do eventually release a KH2 Kairi, a KH1 Kairi, even Terra and Ven as Nendoroids? They'll definitely choose some previous Nendos to re-release alongside them! And if they release another version of Kairi, then guess what? The re-release will be KH3 Kairi. And maybe by then, I'll have the money for this. Or at least, the results for the Nendoroids Select '21 survey would have been released by then, and then I can know whether my money can go towards a character I want more, or towards a KH3 Kairi re-release. I mean, it'd be different if Kairi played a bigger role in KH3, and though I've been staying away from most spoilers, I did hear that she got sidelined AGAIN. And sure, it seems she might be the protagonist of the upcoming rhythm game, but I may not get that. I'm stopping at KH3, remember? So if she's getting sidelined in KH3 again and in the rhythm game, she's like asleep or something, reminiscing, just being used as the overall story's framing device,...then that doesn't sound like a lot of screentime for me to get attached to her. I mean, when I was younger, I thought Kairi did a lot in KH2, but I didn't cry when she reunited with Sora, I cried when Sora and Riku reunited. (I don't even ship those babies! LOL) ---I feel really bad writing all this to convince myself that I don't like Kairi enough to spend $62 on her. It's not like I hate her. I don't even *dislike* her! I LIKE her!!!! It's just...I've been retroactively organizing my Nendoroid

inventory lately, and I've been seeing all the money I've wasted on figures that I only bought out of completionism, that made me cringe inside at the pain this would cause my wallet, because I didn't love the character enough to jump and thrash in my chair with excitement, when I saw their figure announcements and "DAMN THE COST!"... If KH3 Kairi Nendo can't make me feel that way, then I shouldn't be buying her.

There's a perfect counter example in this month's preorder interests!!! I wasn't expecting Pop Up Parade Kikyo! I don't even like static scale figures! I like articulated figures! And chibi too! Pop Up Parade isn't either of those things! And I haven't been a fan of Inuyasha in years! I haven't been obsessing over anything Rumiko Takahashi in years! But when I saw Kikyo's Pop Up Parade announced, I knew I had to buy her. I jumped up and thrashed in my chair. I gasped. I uttered "ohmygawd" over and over like I was losing my mind. Even now, I occasionally browse her announcement pics, just to admire my waifu some more. That's how ALL my figure preorders should make me feel.

And I don't feel that way about KH3 Nendo Kairi.

And I don't feel that way about Hetalia World Stars version Nendo UK/England.

I kind of want to be suspicious if Nendo Aqua makes me feel that way, but what's there to be suspicious about? I'm too attached to her. The majority of my favorite cosplay memories are attached through her. On top of that, her character design is so pretty! She qualifies as what I call in my figure collecting, a "beauty piece", a figure whose design or sculpt is so pretty, that whether I even know the character/series is negligible for me to enjoy owning that figure. Aqua's got that AND she's endeared herself to me. Plus, she's a nice character. I got invested in her BBS story, her 0.2 story, and curiosity about her in KH3 is a big part of why I never concede that I'll someday play that game. I like Aqua. And her character design is pretty. I shouldn't feel guilty about preordering her Nendoroid this month. Even if a future hypothetical Ky Kiske Nendoroid gets announced in the possible future, I would gladly spend money on both Aqua and Ky. I'd make my budget work.

So, sounds like I'm preordering:

Pop Up Parade Kikyo

Nendoroid Aqua

and that's it.

1:37 AM 6/22/2021

Y'know the funny thing is that I feel like if GSC did announce a KH2 Kairi, I'd want KH3 Kairi too. ...She is pretty cute... Damn it. This wouldn't be such a problem if she wasn't $62!!!!!

Looking back through my Nendoroid Inventory, most of my 2017 Nendoroids were under $40! That's because the currency exchange rate was to our advantage. Because the US$ was stronger vs the yen back then, we got everything pretty much at least $5 off! But now we buy from GSC Shop US, and their prices don't account for currency exchange rate changes. (But can I justify switching back to preordering from GSC's international shop, when they have $20 shipping vs GSC US's $3/figure shipping, and we're still in a pandemic so I should limit my purchases to as local as possible? I feel like especially in the pandemic, I have to stick to the GSC US shop.) A 4000yen Nendo isn't $35.30 like it was for me in 2017. Now a 4000yen Nendo is probably like $40 at GSC Shop US. Hold on...Browsing through the GSC international online shop...Even the simple Nendos, like this Nendoroid Steven A Starphase, just a guy in a suit, is already 6930yen! These Bofuri Nendo preorders right now? BOTH ARE 6600YEN EACH!!! In 2017, I got the freaking special edition harvest moon Kagamine Len and Rin Nendoroids for $35.30 each!. I thought that maybe Square was charging GSC extra licensing fees since they would prefer to make money off their own figure lines (Play Arts Kai, Bring Arts, Play Arts Mini, etc.). But it seems like Nendoroids are just more expensive in 2021. O______________O!!!!!!!!!!!! In 2017/2018, even the freaking Madoka Magica maiko version Nendoroids were only $42.36, $43.99, $39.71! And those had so many tiny printed floral details! And accessories! O~o! Same for my detailed Touken Ranbu and KanColle Nendoroids back then! O_O!?!?!???????!!!??????????? Nendoroids are just going to be more expense now. Wow.

I guess the important thing is that if I buy Nendo Kairi, that when it comes time to unbox her, I don't get that sickly unboxing feeling in my stomach, where I can't believe I spent money on this. Like, Kiso is cool, but I don't know her and I'm certainly not obsessed with her. I shouldn't have bought her, especially for over $50. Same with the Akizuki sisters. Probably same with Shoukaku, though she seemed nice in the anime. And certainly the lack of attachment applies to my Nendoroid Iowa. More than half my Touken Ranbu Nendoroids, I bought without really knowing their characters. Half of them, I bought just to prove to Good Smile Company, the demand for male figures. Soon after those first few TouRabu toudans, GSC announced their Orange Rouge line: "Good Smile Company and Max Factory's brand dedicated to male character figures and goods." And yeah, I'm super sentimental enough that even though I didn't really know these characters, now that they're in my collection, they're MINE, they're my precious little tsukumogami babies, whom I wouldn't trade away, no matter how much my finances complain. Plus, I have so much anxiety, that selling/trading is too much stress for me. If my reluctant and failed attempts to sell the lesser parts of my manga collection at swap meets have proven, is that even if I wasn't obsessed with the thing I collected, and even if I have an easy opportunity to get rid of them, WHILE making money in doing so,...I still just can't do it. That's why I threw away all my Nendoroids' packaging plastics when I ran out of storage room for them. I knew I was too chicken and too sentimental to ever sell any of my Nendoroids. Even the ones that gave me that sickly unboxing feeling in my stomach, thinking about the $50+ money I wasted.

---Even when I could have instead been spending it on Nendoroids of characters I actually love! What if a school uniform Nendo Joker gets announced? Or a Nendoroid Claude and Dimitri? What about Nendoroids for Ky, Sol, Lady, Lelouch, Rukia, etc.??? Sure, I can squeeze things into my budget right now. But if that time comes later, when I'll want a Nendo schoolboy Joker or a Nendo Rukia, and I don't have the money for them, will a Nendoroid KH3 Kairi have been worth it? I mean, I already prefer her KH2 look over her KH3 look. Why do I have to care if I don't have a matching Kairi to my Sora/Riku Nendos in my figure photos? Why do I have to be so completionist about this? People will understand that not everyone can afford matching Nendoroids. Hell, my Nendo America and Nendo England don't match! One is from Hetalia World Stars! The other is from Hetlaia The World Twinkle! No one cares! What's important is that I have the 2 characters from my ship in the same pic or the same shelf! No one cares if they match! If I prefer KH2 Kairi, then I should hold-out for her and then take goddamn pictures of her with KH3 Sora/Riku if I want! Hell, I prefer KH2 Riku's look too! I'll just swap out Sora and take pics of KH2 Riku with KH2 Kairi, and KH3 Sora! ...That is, if GSC eventually makes a KH2 Nendo Kairi.

omg I'm going in circles again. I need a snack break.

8:15 AM 6/22/2021

I'm too tired now to remember all the thoughts I wrote about and thought through. x~x;

8:43 AM 6/22/2021

If I skipped KH3 Nendoroid Kairi, would I even miss her? I mean, before, I was so hung up on my Nendo UK not being blond, but now I realize that I barely even think about that, nor even often think of that Nendoroid itself, very often. Hardly ever, actually. Will it be similar with Kairi? I mean,I don't look at my KH1 Sora/Riku Nendo and lament about how I don't have a KH1 Kairi Nendo to go with them. I actually don't really like Kairi's KH1 look. I guess I only really like her KH2 look. So why not hold out for KH2 Kairi Nendoroid possibly being announced in the future? But what if they never make a Nendo Kairi besides this KH3 Kairi, and I miss out on this one and only Kairi, while holding out for a Nendo of KH2Kairi? I hate gambling. But if I skipped KH3 Nendo Kairi now, would I even miss her?.......... She's $62 and I should save my money.

10:12 AM 6/22/2021

I think you should buy figures that you feel good about spending $62 on. Figures that you don't feel guilty about buying. If Nendoroid KH3 Kairi makes you feel guilty, like $62 is not worth it or too much, then don't buy her. Wait for a KH2 Nendo Kairi that will make you feel good to spend on.

But I feel so bad to pass her up! Ugh! This is so hard! ;o;

10:30 AM 6/22/2021

Funny the clarity you can have while brushing and flossing your teeth. If I feel bad spending $62 on Nendo KH3 Kairi, then she must not mean that much to me. She's not worth $62 to me.

I remember when I first saw her announced at WonHobby and I felt safe from needing to buy her. I even commented on GSC's Twitter, that my suddenly finding her cute, threatened my original security and certainty in knowing I didn't feel compelled to buy her.

Remember:

1) Don't buy based on predicted attachments to a character in a game you haven't played yet. I haven't played KH3 yet.

2) If Kairi changes my mind after I play KH3, then she'll probably get a re-release later anyway.

3) When you first saw KH3 Nendo Kairi, your first thought wasn't that I needed her. It was that I felt secure that I didn't need her.

4) You don't have money to spare for a Nendo you're unsure about liking to the worth of $62. Because you didn't expect a Pop Up Parade Kikyo nor her unexpected costs, even if it is relatively cheap. And you still need enough money for a $65 Nendo Aqua. You don't have enough money for any half-certain, hesitating likes towards KH3 Kairi Nendoroid.

5) Other people are skipping KH3 Nendo Kairi even though they also want to buy her.

(https://twitter.com/guttural/status/1406709434592735237) "I want her, but I'm so broke and already ordered the Axel and Roxas Nendos ;_;"

10:38 AM 6/22/2021

I'm going to tell Kuya, I don't need Nendo KH3 Kairi. And then I'm going to forget I was even considering buying her. KH2 and KH3 Sora/Riku Nendoroids are going to come in, and I won't even miss her. Just like I do now, with my KH1 Sora/Riku Nendoroids. And I will wait for a KH2 Nendo Kairi. And when she does get announced, I'll preorder her without regret, because I prefer that character design.

2:33 AM 6/28/2021

I really wanted to get Swacchao Nendoroid Hinata. I was originally just going to get the Swacchao parts since I already have the full Nendoroid Hinata Shoyo. I didn't need a seated Hinata, but as a completionist and Hinata fan, I thought I SHOULD get Swacchao Hinata, or at least the seated Swacchao parts.

But then I had this idea that when I return to an office job, it'd be so nice to have Nendoroid Swacchao Hinata at my desk with me. I had had ideas before about bringing a Nendoroid or 2 to my next office job. I even bought Nendoroid Aoba Suzukaze for that reason. (She's an "office lady" and her accessories include dialogue bubbles of her shouting about doing her best. I thought it'd be really encouraging to have at work.) But I was worried about leaving an actual Nendoroid at my desk, overnight. Would I pack up my desk's Nendoroid(s) each night before I clocked out? Impractical. Should I only use Nendoroids of characters I don't care too much about, to decorate my office desk? But if it's not a character I love, then how is their presence encouraging? And being encouragaing is the entire point of desk decor at a soul-killing job. But then here are these Nendoroid Swacchao Hinata Shoyo announcements! Less than $30! I could have a character I love, from an explicitly encouraging series, and being essentially a dupliate of a Nendoroid I already have, I shouldn't worry too much about him getting stolen from any desk of mine.

But I just can't justify buying a duplicate of a character I already have. I was already cutting out Kageyama and Yuuji from my preorder candidates. I'm in the middle of cataloging my Nendoroid inventory and fully realizing how much money I've wasted on Nendoroids of characters I didn't know, barely knew, liked but didn't love, duplicates of characters I already had, etc. It had to stop. So no Swacchao Kageyama for me. And if we're being honest about my terrible spending, then I really shouldn't be getting either type of Swacchao Hinata either. No more duplicates of characters. ;_; No matter how much I want them. ;_____;