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slaymitchabernathy · 8 days

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Twirl For Me

“Come on,” he says, “just do it.”

The sound of Soarynn’s giggle is enough to bring a big boyish smile onto his face. She just looks so cute, so pretty right now. It’s a bit unfortunate for her how Coriolanus can never seem to get enough of her.

Soarynn Nightingale is absolutely, positively intoxicating.

From her smile to her laugh, to the way she twirls her hair around her finger and the way she always smells of sweet vanilla. He can’t get enough.

Even as they’re in his family’s library, only for the premise of studying for their upcoming exams before carting off to the first holiday party of many for this upcoming festive season. Soarynn has insisted that they get in one last good study session before they throw all caution to the wind and end up procrastinating. Which is exactly what Coriolanus is doing right now.

Procrastinating.

But he can’t help it! Not when she’s so perfect. So stunning. “Coryo,” she says and it sounds like honey dripping from her tongue, “we’re supposed to be studying.” A rather unimportant reminder in his opinion but he’s found that he can be rather persuasive when he needs to be.

Coriolanus gently takes her small hands in his and tugs her towards him until she’s standing inbetween his spread out legs. “Darling, I simply want to know what you’ll look like when I am granted the pleasure of dancing with you tonight.”

The mention of dancing causes Soarynn’s face to light up. She loves to dance, loves to pull Coriolanus onto the dance floor the second she hears the orchestra strike up a note. She looks beautiful when she dances.

And this dress is not helping his growing obsession with her. It’s black, and it’s velvet. It’s sleeveless with pearls lining the neckline and there’s a white underskirt that slightly peeks out from under the black velvet. The back of her dress ties up in a corset and a long back ribbon hangs down her back. This dress is more than flattering on Soarynn’s figure and she’s paired it nicely with nude colored heels. Her gold earrings are little roses and it makes his heart soar.

She bites her lip and he knows he has her. “Just once my love,” he promises, “just once and I’ll never ask again.” Soarynn gives him a look as she pulls her hands from his and gently cups his face. Coriolanus immediately leans into her soft and safe hold. In the beginning of their relationship he would have immediately pulled away. But Soarynn changed him. Made him better, kinder, softer, gentler.

They hold each other up in a world like this.

A small smile stretches across her face, “I don’t even know the last time I’ve done it. Probably when I was a little girl.”

Coriolanus likes to picture Soarynn when she was younger. Wide eyes and an infectious giggle. Not much has changed in his opinion.

He takes her hand in his once again and places a kiss to the back of it, “Just once,” he mumbles against her hand, causing Soarynn to laugh.

“Twirl for me.”

A slight blush appears across her face but Soarynn nods, slowly pulling away from his hold and turning on her heel. “I feel silly,” she admits, looking at him from over her shoulder. Coriolanus shakes his head, “You could never look silly. Not to me.”

That seems to mean enough to her because Soarynn nods before she begins to twirl around the spacious library, another giggle escaping her lips. She holds her hands out as she continues to spin until Coriolanus can see her footing is getting spotty and they don’t need an accident.

He stands to his feet and smiles as his girlfriend continues to spin around until his hands come to rest on the sides of her waist, steadying her and stopping her in her tracks.

Soarynn looks up at him, those startling eyes so wide and her mouth slightly parted open as she pants. He can’t help but lean down and press a soft kiss to her lips, enjoying the way in which she eagerly responds to him. Soarynn’s hands come to rest on his forearms as she deepens the kiss.

Coriolanus lets out a small groan before he pulls away. He doesn’t need to start something he can’t finish in a reasonable amount of time. Not when they have a party to attend and a disheveled appearance will be quite frowned upon.

“You looked so pretty,” he tells her, pressing a kiss to the side of her neck. Soarynn hums, tilting her head so that he has better access, “It was quite dizzying.”

Coriolanus grins down at her, “You make me dizzy all the time.” Soarynn rolls her eyes, “Aren’t you quite the romantic?”

Coriolanus who sees no shame in praising the woman he loves simply shrugs before placing once last kiss on her forehead.

“For you my darling, always.”

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

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astralbulldragon13 · 7 months

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Scythe Audio Listeners' Secrets and Embarrassing Facts

These are just some things that I think about when it comes to the listeners, giving them more depth and dimension.

Blade: Now, we all know that she is a certified badass, she has a sweet tooth, but, what about her more... girly side? Now, some readers of the feminine persuasion have had princess phase, but I don't think Blade really got a chance to. So, I believe, Blade secretly wants to live out the cottage-core dream, with a cottage at the foot of a forested mountain, surrounded by wildflowers, wear flowy dresses, and running around with woodland creatures. The full-on Briar Rose aesthetic. And after she gets closer with Dark, maybe she imagines him in her dream cottage, maybe he takes up painting the flowers in the edge of the forest or tending a garden.

Cheeky: Ah, our dear 6006. That number is actually connected to her insecurity. Cheeky is a little self-conscious about her figure, she considers her... 6006s, to be too small, and she doesn't have a body like L. (The only time she feels beautiful is when she's with V during the non-cannon spicy times.) She also keeps a little locket in her pocket or tucked under her shirt with pictures of the kids on one side, and a picture of V on the other. When V was in a coma, L helped her it. (Also, during V's coma, Cheeky had a minor Bi awakening while hanging with L)

Inspector Sweet Cheeks: She has very vivid synesthesia. Every sound she hears, she sees vivid colors (so the colors seen during the vocalizations in the videos). She also really enjoys dancing, and if she went on a date, she would judge them by how well they dance. She never brings it up with her coworkers, as I imagine the precinct, she works at is a massive sausage fest, so she's uncomfortable bringing up her girlie desires with them.

Demon Girl: Baby girl can't read, or at least can't read very well (I swear there was a video on patreon with that very premise, but I can't find it, am I tripping?). I imagine she grew up un in a very large peasant family, as one of their younger children. She never really felt like she was worth anything, so that was why she stayed with the Hunter so she can feel like she was important.

The Celestials: Nearly all of the Celestials have twin or an equal and opposite in another Celestial. Sparkles and the Goddess have a 'both sides of a same coin'/ 'Celestia and Luna' thing going. And they are the oldest Celestials. Also, I imagine Frost has massive middle-child syndrome who struggles to stand out amongst her siblings.

#scythe audio #scythe blade #scythe cheeky #scythe sweetcheeks #scythe celestials #headcanon

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goodhorse413 · 5 months

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Problems of Incommensurability in Ethics

When I was a kid, like 5th grade years old, I independently invented utilitarianism in my head. It just seemed obvious to me that the best course of action was making as many people happy as possible, and that this could be quantified scientifically. When I was a middle schooler and I learned about dopamine, I was like, this is it. This is the objective scientific basis of morality. The very day I learned the term utilitarian I declared myself to be one.

Since then I've grown quite a bit, but I think my ethics have always remained more utilitarian than anything else. There are several things about utilitarianism that I find extremely persuasive.

Hedonism: The idea that absent other considerations, it's good to feel good and bad to feel bad, is completely undeniable to me. I really dislike the prevalence of intuition and assumptions in ethical philosophy, but I'm very confident that suffering is bad. You should minimize assumptions as much as possible in philosophy generally, but I don't think there's anything that could conceivably convince me that pain isn't painful.

Consequentialism: Follows naturally from hedonism. Non-consequentialist moralities have practical purposes, but everything reduces to consequentialism in the final analysis.

Virtues, duties, and maxims are all abstract concepts, and as a materialist, I don't really care much about abstract concepts. Consequences are real. Experiences are real. I've had experiences, and those experiences had valencies, in that some were good and some were bad. Good and bad are meaningless in my view unless they're applied to experiences.

All this said, there's something about utilitarianism that I don't like, and it's the reason I don't consider myself to be a utilitarian, even though I agree with the parts of it that utilitarians argue for. Utilitarian theory often makes the assumption that goodness/badness (let's call them positive and negative valency to borrow the language used by some modern utilitarians) are commensurable, and that when presented with some set of decisions, there is some decision which is always objectively better than every other decision. I don't think this follows from the premises of utilitarianism, just the opposite.

For starters, let's consider G.E. Moore's objection to the commensurability of ethical decisions, which is that goodness comes in multiple kinds, and you can't compare love, beauty, pleasure, and other things on one axis. This might be true. It might also not be true. Qualia are poorly understood. The "good" quality of these things might reduce to the same phenomenon, or multiple phenomena. I have no way of knowing. In any case, I think ambiguity still arises in utilitarianism even if all good things reduce to a single linear quantity.

This is because positive and negative valency are fundamentally incommensurable. Some pleasures are more pleasurable than others, some pains are more painful than others, and all pleasures are more pleasurable than all pains, so it seems that at least in certain circumstances (and possibly always) the positive valencies of two outcomes can be compared, and the negative valencies of two outcomes can be compared, but there is no quantity held in common between positive and negative valency that allows you to say that some quantity of positive valency balances out with some quantity of negative valency (a commonly raised objection), and vice versa (an objection I've never seen raised in my entire life).

Let's define a moral state-of-affairs as the set of the total positive and negative valencies of all conscious experiences within a particular region of spacetime. The units don't matter, because they can't be compared anyway. The state-of-affairs can be represented by a complex number, the real part of which represents the quantity of positive valency, and the imaginary part of which represents the quantity of negative valency. Now let's say the region of spacetime in the following example is a dinner party that lasts six hours.

Let's say that if a certain partygoer acts normally at the party, the moral state-of-affairs will be 100+5i, with 100 being the fun and laughter and good-times and 5i being the unpleasant noise and the discomfort one girl experiences from unrelated menstrual cramps. If said certain partygoer decides to go apeshit and shank the party's host in the abdomen right after arriving, the moral state-of-affairs is instead 4+350i. There's a lot less fun, and a lot more suffering. In this situation, one state of affairs is objectively superior to the other. Going apeshit and shanking the host is objectively an immoral thing for the partygoer to do. This happens to coincide with intuition, which is unsurprising but also irrelevant.

Now let's imagine that our certain partygoer goes apeshit in a different way. He brings a shit ton of tequila (let's say the party otherwise would have had little drinking) and encourages everyone to get smashed as hell. Most partygoers get very drunk and the night becomes more intense. Everybody's yelling, telling stupid jokes, a couple hooks up, I don't know, I don't go to parties, but as a result of all the drinking, one guy who would have otherwise been chill decides to start a fight with a guy he hates. They get heated, say ill-advised things to each other under the influence, and one of them hits the other. He's not severely injured, but it's still a bad time not just for him, but for a lot of spectators as well. After that, the party goes back to its more cheery state. The total moral state-of-affairs in this timeline clocks in at 180+31i. There was more positive valency than in the normal timeline, so it was objectively more good. But there was also more negative valency, so it was also objectively more bad. Keep in mind that these are unitless, and I could multiply all of the numbers for either the real or imaginary parts by any coefficient, and it wouldn't change anything as long as I did it for all states of affairs. So don't go thinking "well 80 is greater than 26 so that's where you should draw the line". It's arbitrary.

The point is that even though certain states-of-affairs can be objectively better than others, sometimes you cannot objectively compare two states-of-affairs. There are possible solutions to this dilemma you could come up with. You could take the walking-away-from-Omelas position and say that negative valency automatically takes precedence, and that no amount of positive valency ever justifies even the slightest increase in negative valency, but then you'd have to start advocating for the end of the world and the death of all sentient beings. You could say the opposite, and claim that positive valency automatically takes precedence, and that no amount of negative valency ever makes the slightest amount of pleasure not worth it, but that would result in some pretty cruel behavior (although your behavior would be pretty in line with that of a lot of capitalist enterprises). Finally, you could declare an arbitrary relation that accords with your intuition, and say "this is the amount of pain which is worth enduring for this given amount of pleasure", and that would result in less disastrous scenarios, but in the end that relation has to be arbitrary.

The idea I'm pursuing here is that moral ambiguity is real, and that accepting that morality is based on really-existing things and that some things are objectively wrong does not necessarily mean that moral dilemmas do not exist, or even that they're not common. This shouldn't be too surprising if you really think about it. We encounter moral ambiguity constantly in our daily lives, it doesn't really seem that absurd or counterintuitive that sometimes there is an objectively right answer, and sometimes there isn't, but I'm not sure I've ever seen an ethical philosopher admit it.

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oswincoleman · 8 months

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Some reviews of Jenna Coleman in Wilderness!

this series would not be what it is without Jenna Coleman and her excellent characterization of Liv. I have loved Coleman since her Doctor Who days, but Wilderness helped cement how expansive her acting talent is. She’s a powerhouse as the bombastic Liv, showcasing the two extremes of a person who has had their heart broken and eventually becomes broken herself. However, through the shattering of her life, Liv reassembles the pieces into something else, which is beautiful to witness. Although within the beauty is a darker side, which Coleman portrays perfectly.

As the protagonist who blunders as often as she succeeds, Jenna Coleman was an inspired choice. Her ability to play the human side of occasionally morally grey characters (as she did with aplomb during her reign as Victoria) lends a kind of authenticity to Liv’s struggle that makes you want to continue alongside her down her chosen path, if only to see where it will lead.

Jenna Coleman shines in this pulpy revenge thriller

Jenna Coleman is pitch perfect as Liv and is able to brilliantly tap into Liv’s fury and rage as she discovers Will’s infidelity. Coleman mostly carries the whole series on her shoulders, but she’s supported by Jackson-Cohen.

Don’t worry, Wilderness wisely turns the tables, evolving Liv believably as the rug is constantly pulled from under her feet. Coleman is a consistent delight in this role, bringing exceeding levels of empathy and expressiveness to Liv as rage and ego tend to drive her decisions.

Coleman, who is largely known for playing an array of plucky, likable heroines in period dramas and genre properties, is clearly having a blast inhabiting a character who goes so against her usual type. She still manages to give Liv some surprisingly human layers, particularly when it comes to her relationship with her mother and the unexpected sympathy she often seems to feel for Cara.

Known for an array of roles in The Serpent, The Cry, Doctor Who and lest we forget Emmerdale, Coleman's beguiling on-screen presence is a perfect match for the ever-complicated Liv. Like the former Gillian Flynn novel-turned-movie, Coleman commands attention in the same way as Rosamund Pike, a feat not to be scoffed at.

Of course, a great script means nothing without great actors, and on that front everybody here is acting their socks off. Coleman’s Liv is beautifully enigmatic.

It’s unpredictable and, thanks in large part to Coleman, who acts with a perpetual wily glint in her cosmically expressive eyes, entertaining in a blunt way.

The most persuasive aspect of Wilderness is the performances. Coleman and Jackson-Cohen perform as if they’re convinced by the script, rippling with aggressive and sensual chemistry. You can understand why Jackson-Cohen accepted; he’s become typecast as the Toxic Boyfriend since The Invisible Man remake and The Haunting of Bly Manor. But this is a surprising turn for Coleman, who shot to fame as one of Doctor Who’s best companions and delivered a beautiful performance in The Cry. She’s a proven force, so why is she dealing with television scraps? She deserves better than this silly, if seductive, drive to vengeance. Wilderness is lucky to have her.

Jenna Coleman sells her role as Liv Taylor and has the cuteness to pull off her crazy side

Coleman is ravishing as a wannabe murderess

#jenna coleman #jenna louise coleman #wilderness #wilderness tv #wilderness amazon prime #prime video #liv taylor #reviews

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kata4a · 2 years

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What’s your stance on moral realism?

certainly much less sympathetic than I used to be, I guess hanson managed to persuade me of something

one advantage that moral realism had over aesthetic realism is that I think you can make a much stronger case for the existence of moral truths about which there is very little disagreement - like, it seems something heavily qualified like "it is morally bad to kill innocent people for no gain" is probably pretty unanimous? <- even that might not actually be true

but it's certainly much harder to try and come up with a single unanimous aesthetic principle, or a single object which is unanimously considered beautiful

(interestingly, eddy zemach's case for aesthetic realism does rely on there being no essentially radical aesthetic disagreement. so how does he square this with the superficially great diversity in aesthetic thought we see throughout the world? he makes two moves, both using the same basic theoretical technology:

the first is to assert that (at least some) aesthetic predicates are time-dependent. that is to say, a piece of cubist painting isn't say, revolutionary, as a strict consequence of its physical configuration, but rather both its physical properties and its the social/cultural/artistic context in which it is presented are relevant to the aesthetic predicate "revolutionary"

the second is, similarly, to assert that (at least some) aesthetic predicates require certain background knowledge or experience to appreciate. you can't be moved by debussy's wandering modulations if you don't know what it sounds like for a composition to change keys; you can't be struck by shakespeare's use of language if you don't know which turns of phrase he employs were unexpected in his time, and so on

and in fact, I find both of these moves very appealing! they just feel like weird moves for a realist to make, as the natural followup (to my intuition at least) is to say that aesthetic predicates are multi-place, taking both an object and some kind of social and personal context - whereas our boy eddy needs to make the case that of the various contexts through which you can view a work of art, one of them is "correct")

in either case, though - one thing is that I'm pretty comfortable reframing my moral thoughts in nonmoral terms when necessary. instead of "this is the moral thing to do," -> "this is the thing which will reduce suffering by the greatest amount" or something (depending on which moral feature is most salient at the time)

obviously this isn't going to be very persuasive to anyone who doesn't already buy into my moral goals - but then, it's not clear why someone like that would be more convinced by an argument from moral realism

(and yeah articulating this in terms of "what would someone who didn't share your premises find convincing" is somewhat idiosyncratic. but I think it does a good job a. of showing what (a certain strain of) epistemic realism can do that moral/aesthetic realism can't, and b. of grounding your philosophy in something tangible and keeping it from degenerating into the abstract metaphysical controversies that I personally find so dizzying)

#'whats your stance on moral realism?'#imma let you finish but first let me say this about aesthetic realism...#philosophy cw #discourse cw

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cj-writes-stuff · 27 days

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Reading Wrap-Up | March 2024

A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft Forged by Magic by Jenna Wolfhart Brewed in Magic by Jenna Wolfhart Persuasion by Jane Austen

[mini reviews/ratings below the cut]

A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft ⭐Rating: 5/5

Starting March off strong, I adored this book. A Fragile Enchantment was my favorite read of February, so I wanted to give Allison Saft's other books a try. So glad I did. Everything from the premise to Margaret and Wes to their slow-burn romance to the climax of the hunt, I loved it all.

Listen, you present me with a grumpy/sunshine dynamic where the lady is scary and prickly with mommy issues, and the guy is a screw up who hides his pain and feelings of inadequacy behind walls of humor and charm, and you give me their slow burn romance where they slowly learn to trust each other and realize they DO deserve love and happiness even when it feels like everyone is against them... and you best watch your fingers because I'm going to bite and chew and devour it.

I'm also quickly realizing that Saft's prose just gets me. It's beautiful. I eat it up. I want more.

There are some weird things about the worldbuilding, though it wasn't a huge deal for me. Just a few moments were I had to pause and think about what time period we're supposed to be in. It's urban fantasy that surrounds alchemy, and some of that went over my head... I just filled in the blanks with my knowledge from Fullmetal Alchemist, not gonna lie. It wasn't enough of a bother to make me want to rate this any lower, though.

Forged by Magic by Jenna Wolfhart ⭐Rating: 2/5

I've been on a cozy romantasy kick, so when I came across this series I was like "Oh yeah, this sounds exactly what I want."

This book follows Daella, a half-orc prisoner to a cruel ice king, and her quest to earn her freedom only to be caught in a major storm. She washes up on this island where Rivelin, a elven blacksmith, finds her. It's supposed to be grumpy/sunshine enemies to lovers dynamic but.... ehhhhhh....

This book was a little disappointing. I enjoyed it and what it tries to do, but it had issues. The writing was super repetitive, and there's a lot of telling rather than showing. The amount of times the book just tells you that Rivelin is grumpy is too much, it even gets to the point where Daella just keeps saying that he's a grumpy blacksmith like... I don't need to be told that over and over again, you can just show me he's grumpy.

It also got so frustrating how easily they'd turn on each other and think the worst of the other, but then be quick to forgive. The romance just wasn't it for me.

The actual plot of the midsummer games was interesting, though... I just wish I liked Daella and Rivelin more.

Brewed in Magic by Jenna Wolfhart ⭐Rating: 3.5/5

After being disappointed by the first book, I had lower expectations for the second book... but this was way better.

First of all, the improvement in writing meant less repetitive telling rather than showing, though there were still moments where I was like, "god I feel like I've already read this exact sentence."

What made the biggest difference was Lilia and Ragnar as main characters and their romance. It was a little rushed but the rivals to lovers element felt better to read than the previous book's enemies to lovers. They're rival traveling brewers working the same festival, there's a mystery behind stolen barrels of ale, and they gotta work together to solve the mystery while someone attempts to sabotage the festival.

Something about these books that I need to remember is that they're low stakes... as in things get wrapped up and work out easily, and as long as I remember that's the books goal, I enjoy it way more. If I went into this looking for deep, nuanced fantasy, I would've hated the ending.

They're fun, though. Easy read, fun spicy romance. I'd read another book in this series.

Persuasion by Jane Austen ⭐Rating: 5/5

I didn't read as many books this month because I spent most of it rereading my favorite Jane Austen book. I've read this before, but I wanted to reread it for a fanfic I'm working on, plus I wanted to annotate my copy. So I spent the reading time taking it slow, taking notes, highlighting, etc.

I adore Persuasion so damn much, like I love all of the Austen novels I've read but Persuasion just gut punches me. I'm a lover of second-chance romance, of exes who go through some shit before ending up together again, and just uuugghhhhh Anne and Captain Wentworth, I can't.

Not much else to say except I'm glad I took my time while rereading. One of my favorite novels.

#cj reads stuff #reading wrap up #reading wrap up march 2024 #admittedly this month was a bit of a slump for me. i picked up a couple books and then put them back down like not as in dnf #but as in i'm just not feeling it or not ready to read it yet #plus all my reading time went into persuasion soooo yeah... hopefully april will be less slumpy

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alinaandalion · 2 years

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Mid-Year Book Tag

halfway through the year and thought i would steal this from booktube and take a look at what i’ve read so far.

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2022?

Siren Queen by Nghi Vo, Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu, The Mothers by Brit Bennet, and Bad Blood by John Carreyrou

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2022?

The Liar’s Knot by M.A. Carrick and The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden

3. New release you haven’t read yet, but want to?

Moon Witch, Spider King by Marlon James and A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross.

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of 2022?

only one possible answer for this one: Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators’ Revolution by R.F. Kuang. it is my most anticipated release of 2022, hands down. (if you want to know why, go read The Poppy War trilogy)

5. Biggest disappointment?

i didn’t actually finish either of these (one i may still finish one day, when i can stop being irritated every time i think about picking it back up again but we shall see), but that would be The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson and Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li. i don’t think i would have been as upset by either of them if i wasn’t really looking forward to reading them both. thought the stormlight archive series would be this great, big fantasy series i could get into and invest in and i’m about 500 pages in this 1,000 page behemoth and i have not stopped complaining about it the entire way. (it just doesn’t make sense that there is no real political intrigue when the ability to read and write is divided so strictly by gender and apparently we’re still in a patriarchy but only women read and write??? it doesn’t add up!!)

Portrait of a Thief was just. okay, basically, it could have been a great short story. it’s one of those books where you can really tell this person has written some awesome fanfiction but it’s like if you turned a good one-shot fanfic into a novel. it just get repetitive and there was really nothing in the narrative that made me buy into the premise, and i really, really wanted to. i would still check out a different book by the author in the future, just with more realistic expectations. but i hit the 150 page mark, realized that i hadn’t stopped bitching about it to my fiancé from the moment i started reading, and i called it quits.

6. Biggest surprise?

The Justice of Kings by Richard Swan. i took a chance on it because the summary sounded interesting and the cover was intriguing and oh my god, it was so good.

7. New favorite author?

Brit Bennett and Nghi Vo

8. Newest fictional crush?

Derossi Vargo from The Liar’s Knot by M.A. Carrick. i was not expecting it considering where the first book left him but i love him now.

9. Newest favorite character?

just the cast of characters from the Rook & Rose trilogy.

10. Book that made you cry?

haven’t had one yet this year. to be fair, it is hard for books to make me cry but even with the ones i’ve really liked, i haven’t had a really strong emotional reaction to them.

11. Book that made you happy?

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. i just love dinosaurs and it was a really fun read.

12. Favorite book to movie/tv show adaptation you’ve seen so far this year?

well, the only one i’ve watched is The Witcher (but i do love it so i guess it qualifies)

13. Most beautiful book you’ve bought this year?

Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel

14. What books do you really need to read by the end of this year?

The Dragon of Jin-Sayeng by K.S. Villoso, Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir, Persuasion by Jane Austen, The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden, Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead, and The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

#the reading life #books: 2022

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ivy-kissobryos · 3 years

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Thai Folk Magic

Below are some analysis of folk spells from Thailand, along with the theories of how magic works. All quotes are from "Monks and Magic: Revisiting a Classic Study of Religious Ceremonies in Thailand" by Barend Jan Terwiel. First, we will discuss love spells. Totally recommend the book to anyone interested. Everything that I read so far seem very accurate to what I experienced growing up.

Love Magic

One man reputedly won his wife by drawing a simple magical diagram, one of the category of the yan napaṭhamaṃ, while thinking intensively of the woman he wished to marry and saying the appropriate khatha. He waited seven days for the magic to take effect and, when approaching her, he noticed that she was more favourably inclined towards him. Yan napaṭhamaṃ means literally: ‘The first, or foremost letter N diagram’. The letter N occurs frequently in Thai mystical drawings, probably because it may be regarded as an extreme abbreviation of the expression namo buddhāya, hail to the Buddha.

The idea of drawing holy symbols in order to bring about an outcome is something common among many cultures, both eastern and western (like in Catholic folk magic where the cross is drawn for protection and to invoke the higher powers). I just find this intriguing because I keep seeing the symbol of the yan napaṭhamaṃ pretty much everywhere in Thailand, both painted on the ceiling of a taxi, on top of doorways or in front of windows. Good to finally find out what it means.

Another method to ensure the love of a woman, also reported by Textor, is to sit close by her while smoking a cigarette. The man should draw smoke deep into his lungs and, whilst softly saying the right spell, blow out the smoke so that it envelops her. A much stronger method consists of scooping up some earth with the big toe of the right foot, taking the earth in the right hand and rubbing it on the top of the head, whilst invoking the goddess of the earth, Mother Thorani (ธรณี), to assist in the acquisition of a bride.

The last two examples reveal that, as the magical practices become more strong and persuasive, less attractive material is used. It is not pleasant to be enveloped in smoke, and rubbing earth over one’s head is an action no Thai will perform lightly. The earth is often associated with pollution because it can be the recipient of human waste and animal droppings. Moreover, scooping up a bit of earth with the foot must be regarded as an abnormal, ‘inverted’ activity. The feet are the parts of the body that are held in lowest regard, and reaching for something with the foot is regarded in Thailand as the epitome of bad manners.

It is said among men that prostitutes use a similar magic. Reputedly a prostitute sprinkles some water that contains vaginal excretion at the doorposts and above the door of the house where she lives. A man walking near the door may suddenly be irresistibly drawn over the threshold. If he is wearing his string of amulets he should quickly take it off and give it to a friend in safe keeping before entering the house.

The quotes above is interesting in that the concept of holiness and unholiness (or pollution) is used to compel someone, with love/compulsion being viewed as a dirty thing.

When a woman is convinced that her husband gives cause for jealousy she may make a potion or a powder that contains some of her vaginal excretion. If a man consumes some food that contains this potion or powder, he reputedly loses interest in all other women and devotes his complete attention to the woman from whose secretions the mixture was made. A woman who resorts to these means should take care to practise this kind of magic in secret; if the man finds out that his food has been treated in such a manner, he would be very angry indeed, for her vaginal excretion will surely have destroyed the power of many of his tattoos and amulets and rendered him vulnerable.

Here, bodily fluids are used. This is like in various folk magic where menstrual blood is dropped into the food of someone in order to compel them to be attracted to you. What is more intriguing is the notion that something unclean like vaginal excretion could be used to render magical tattoos and amulets useless. Extrapolating from that, I believe that if one wishes to desecrate something, one could sprinkle water mixed with vaginal excretions onto it.

He reports that, if a woman fears that her husband has been treated with the vaginal excretion of another woman, she should obtain water from the bottom of three or seven taxi boats, and some moss from around the sanctuary of a monastery, or from the boundary stones of a bot. If her husband eats food containing a mixture of these materials, his previously alienated affection is restored. The substances chosen to counter the effects of aggressive love magic of another woman are obviously considered magically powerful in their own right [...] Water from the bottom of taxi boats must be seen as polluted and aggressive: it is where the wood starts rotting, the stagnant water has often an unpleasant smell, and it may contain particles of dirt from the feet of countless passengers. Moss that grows on the sanctuary of a monastery appears more ambiguously charged. On the one hand, it can usually be found on ground level, and may have been dirtied by the many dogs that roam the premises. On the other hand, a small amount of the beneficial power that is continually generated in the building itself may have permeated as far as the mossy outside. It seems, however, that the aggressive aspects prevail for the moss is reported to be one of the ingredients of a magically highly potent substance used to kill enemies.

For clarifications, a "bot" as referred to in the quote above translates roughly to temple. Again, the concept of sympathetic magic is used, dirtiness contrasted with holiness. Now let's discuss where magic comes from within this belief system.

Origins of Magic

In order to make a pressed or printed image, commonly known as phra phim (พระ พิมพ์), a monk needs, apart from the mould, a recipe, the proper ingredients, and considerable knowledge of spells, the sacred script and magical drawings. Historians will be sad to hear that one of the common ingredients of phra phim is the ash obtained from burning the oldest handwritten sacred books of the monastery [...] The amulets derive their protective power partly from the association with powerful things. The phra phim are made from sacred ingredients.

Phra phim is a type of flat, printed amulet. Amulets are sacred because something within them is sacred. The idea of burning holy texts to add power to a spell or enchantment is also similar to other forms of folk magic, such as in Catholic folk magic where psalms may be written and burnt and their ashes be used for protection or other purposes. However, as will be explained below, consecration is needed to make the amulets functioning.

In general, the inherent quality of the amulets is considered insufficient to ensure protection to the person who wears them. Apart from being made from auspicious material and depicting powerful symbols, the amulets usually ought to be sacralized. This sacralization can take many forms. The most elementary sacralization ritual, called pluksek (ปลุกเสก), can be observed, for example, when a monk gives a small Buddha image to a layman. Taking the image in both hands, the monk brings it close to his mouth and murmurs a short Pali formula. While uttering the final syllable of the spell, the monk may blow sharply upon this Buddha image. Some monks prefer to draw a simple yan over the amulet with the index finger of the right hand or with a pencil while saying the Pali words.

I used to translate "pluksek” as consecration, but here I can see why sacralization also makes sense. The way breath is used to imbue powers in an object is also a universal thing that is present in many forms of magic.

Another thing that is of note is that magic isn't simply sympathetic, but also based upon the concept of proximity and contagion.

The closer to the seat of magical power, the stronger is the influence of that force. Any object of the appropriate shape that is exposed to a strong dose of magical power will become a secondary seat of the force. This has been amply demonstrated in the rituals surrounding amulets [...] This is why the bundles of such objects are placed near a monk who is preaching, why the begging bowl of an ordinand contains them, and why bowls of water stand near the monks who complete their pavāraṇā ceremony. The principle is apparent in the rituals designed to sacralize amulets as well as those where a bowl of water is charged.

Placing water near a monk speaking holy words makes the water somewhat more holy than it was before. But, magic isn't just man-made. It's all around us, a part of the natural world.

It has been shown that, in addition to the protective power that emanates from people who utter sacred words or who meditate, there are ambiguous forces in the animated world, forces that may protect, but that could also be harmful. Examples of the ambiguous powers are the gods, the spirits of the ancestors, the anthropomorphic and theriomorphic powers that live in nature and are the legendary original owners of the environment, and guardian spirits.

There is no sharp division between physical powers of nature and magical power. The earth, which possesses the capacity to make plants grow and thrive, is sometimes seen in the shape of a beautiful female, Mae Thorani. Under the earth is the domain of the chief of the Nak, a serpent-like shape with the face of a dragon. The wind, the river, a tree, a house, and the monastery, each of these is connected with one or more unseen powers, conceived of in anthropomorphic form, and each of these unseen powers has its specific likes and dislikes. A farmer learns to attract their attention with candles, incense, and flowers, and develops skills in addressing and pleasing them. Nature has provided men with unexpected seats of power. For example, a termite hill may acquire a reputation for bringing luck; or when lightning strikes a building, the scorched plaster is regarded as magically powerful. A lump of resin that shows the shape of a Buddha is sacred, and a big stone that is dragged up from the river brings prosperity when laid in the rice-storage hut.

Death and the Afterlife

Now, I wish to discuss something less about magic and more about religion.

In the mouth a coin is placed, which the soul of the dead person needs in order to pay the fare to cross the underworld river, guarded by Phra Ketkaew Culamani, (เก็จแก้วจุฬมณี) or ‘Lord Bright Gem Jewel’. Probably this is Yama, the Hindu god who presides over the dead and who is described as ‘with a glittering form, a crown on his head’. This is followed by the ritual of tra sang (ตราสัง), ‘binding the corpse’. The undertaker uses a piece of white unspun cotton thread to bind the neck, feet and hands whilst saying the Pali formula: ‘Putto gīve, dhano pade, bhariya hatthe’. This is interpreted as a spell with which to free a person from the three strongest ties in this world: from the tie of children (whilst putting a loop with the cord around the neck), from wealth (when binding the feet), and from the tie of the spouse (while the hands are tied).

Two things are interesting here. First, being that payment is needed to cross an underworld river. This is very reminiscent of the myth of Charon and the crossing of river styx. The second interesting point is the use of binding magic. I have witness the ritual performed but at the time, I didn't understand what it meant. The irony of binding someone in order to free them is also very striking.

Other Tai peoples, especially the White and Black Tais of northern Vietnam, who do not seem to be influenced by Buddhism, have quite different views. In their eyes, a person has many khwan that, upon death, divide themselves in groups; some khwan go to the spirit world above, some are conducted to the house and can be worshipped on the ancestral shrine, while the remainder stay in the grave.

The quote above explores the question many people may ask: where do souls go after we die? I have pondered this question many times- if I give all that I am to the Witchfather, would my soul continue to serve Him even after death? If I devote myself to the Theoi, do I get to gain entry to the Hellenic afterlife? Would that mean that upon death, I could never interact with the spirits of my ancestors again as we are of different religious beliefs? The concept of khwan solves this line of thinking, in my opinion. There are many independent khwan in your body, just like your body is made up of millions of miniscule cells. Perhaps, a part of me would fall into milk and join the Theoi upon death, perhaps another will stay here to guide whoever comes after me. We are multitudes, both in life and in death.

#thai magic

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siratrem · 3 years

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I need to nerd out about Haikyuu right now (Season 1 Episode 1) (manga spoilers)

I have nobody that I can nerd out about Haikyuu with so I’ll do it here.

My first introduction to volleyball was through Haikyuu and watching reactors from coaches and players on YouTube really expanded my understanding of this manga/anime. Now that I’ve finished the manga and watched all available episodes (more than once) I want to see why I find this shounen sports anime so bloody compelling.

A good beginning sets up the middle and end. The opening scene of Haikyuu is the famous “a tall, tall wall looms before me…”. Before the rewatch, I had it in my head that the scene after the opening (Hinata seeing the Little Giant on TV) was the first scene. So, no, Furudate-sensei actually started this chapter at the end – Hinata is already in the Karasuno gym, he’s already scared of the block, and he’s lining up with the shoes of five of his teammates. This is a common framing technique – sets up the question of “how did we get here?”.

On my first watch of Haikyuu, I didn’t know anything about volleyball. I have, however, watched a fair amount of anime, including shounen. I think my inexperience actually helped me understand why Hinata was so awestruck by the Little Giant when he saw him on TV.

I knew the premise of the anime – tiny Shoyo wants to play a sport made for tall people – but rewatching it actually confused me. This scene is set 3-4 years before even making it to Karasuno, so Shoyo is, what, 11? He doesn’t know how tall he’s going to be, so why was he fixated on this “small” player going up against the bigger blockers? I mean, he could still be small for his age and be self-conscious about it, I guess, but not like he would be at 15. Then I thought – maybe it’s because the Little Giant jumped so high?

Shoyo is small, yes, but he can jump high. This is a defining aspect of his character. This was also the moment Shoyo became interested in volleyball, from what I can tell. So, if he’s as inexperienced as me, he wouldn’t be able to see the technique that the Little Giant used to defeat the big blockers. In his little kid head, maybe he assumed that the Little Giant beat the blockers because he jumped so high. So, perhaps little Shoyo thought: hey, I can jump high → I’ll be good at volleyball.

Themes

What are the overarching themes of Haikyuu shown in this episode?

Friendship. This is a Shounen anime, after all. Hinata makes friends wherever he goes, but it’s not until the match in this episode (and later Karasuno) that he finds a place that he belongs. Hinata has a wide variety of friends and is lovable enough to both get Izumi and Koji to join his team and make them emotional about the game.

Kageyama takes a liking to him from this match (although whether Mr Grumpy himself even recognises this is up to interpretation). From the moment they snap at each other in the hallway outside the gym bathroom to that beautiful jump that scores the first genuine point for Hinata’s team, Kageyama is intrigued by the bouncing ball of sunshine. After the match is finished, Kageyama snaps at Hinata “what were you doing for the last three years?”. He’s the first person to see Hinata’s potential, although Hinata takes it as an insult. It’s okay – they just don’t know each other yet.

Rivalry. Kageyama vs Hinata. Later (ep 6 minor spoilers??): Karasuno (Hinata and Kageyama) versus Aoba Johsai (Kunimi and Kindaichi). Shoyo sees Kageyama as the biggest barrier to his dream of playing volleyball. He wants to defeat him with all his being: if he can defeat the strong player, then he will be the strong player.

Victory and defeat. Duh. It’s a sports anime. One team plays another in a game where only one can win. Hinata is sure he is capable – he’s over-confident and inexperienced. He doesn’t know what good volleyball looks like, let alone how to implement it. But he’s also a show-off – a facet of his personality I didn’t really grasp until season 4. He wants the recognition the Little Giant got. He wants a stadium of people to go “wow, did you see him jump? Did you see how he beat the three-man block? Oh my god, he’s so amazing”. I’m sure the cool nickname – the Little Giant – caught his attention as well. So if he tries hard and jumps high enough, he’ll win, right?

Yeah. Poor baby learns a very harsh lesson. This defeat is crushing. He jumped high, like the Little Giant, but he couldn’t defeat the block. Those looming hands haunt him – “a tall, tall wall looms before me…”. This is a barrier he can’t overcome and he doesn’t know *why...*You can see it on his face after the block – ‘huh? I copied the Little Giant’. This sets up the goal of the first season: Hinata needs to learn how to see what’s at the top, the other side of that tall wall. He needs to hit rock-bottom before he can start climbing up.

Kageyama’s team won because it was a better team. Kitagawa Daichi is a powerhouse on the Miyagi junior high volleyball scene. I don’t know if it’s a private school, but it’s a feeder school for Aoba Johsai, which is a private school. Both seem to have a specialism in volleyball training. Maybe if Hinata went to Kitagawa Daichi, [Manga spoilers] if he’d been introduced to volleyball as early as Kageyama was, maybe he’d already be a monster. Or maybe his natural instincts would have been trained out of him. It’s important to the story that Hinata starts off as an untrained underdog, deprived of good volleyball and hungry for victory.

Team versus the individual. Kitagawa Daichi was the favourite to win the whole tournament. It’s a powerhouse team with more players than can fit on the bench. They’re tall, they’re scary, they’re elite. The team members often go on to Aoba Johsai, a high school powerhouse. Hinata’s school didn’t even have a team until he came along. They’re small (exactly 6 players, no reserves, no libero). His teammates don’t even know the rules for the game. Hinata had to fight tooth and nail to get on the court. However, he’s encouraging to his team members and dedicated. He’s glowing at just being there. He wants to win, of course, but most of all he wants to play volleyball.

Volleyball is a team sport. “The team that wins is the one with the strongest six players”. However, at times, it seems like both Hinata and Kageyama are the only ones really playing on their teams. Kageyama is giving it his all, yelling at his team for not keeping up with him and slacking off. Hinata is the only one on his team who wants to be there, the only one who wants to play. He’s hitting the most spikes, jumping the highest, playing the best (not that that’s saying much). This match, in a large way, is Kageyama versus Hinata.

Talent. Kageyama is a genius setter. (Manga spoilers:) He was raised in a family of volleyball players (one of which is an alumnus of Shiratorizawa for christ’s sake). He’s enamoured with the sport – obsessed with it. He lives and breathes volleyball. (Manga spoilers:) he keeps a volleyball journal where he records and analyses every play, practice and game he’s ever made. He’s tall and strong and athletic. He goes to a school with a good volleyball training programme. He’s built for this game.

Hinata is (superhumanly) athletic. He can run fast and jump high. But he’s short and untrained. His talent is raw and unrefined. But it’s still enough to catch Kageyama’s attention.

Characters

Furudate-sensei is a fan of the Meaningful Name™ convention. This is actually fairly common in Japanese culture anyway: traditionally baby names are carefully chosen to reflect the parents’ aspirations for the children. (I also don't speak Japanese so I'm going off other people's translations for the kanji).

HINATA SHOYO (日向翔陽) - “sun place” “soaring sunlight”. He’s a bouncing ball of sunshine who makes friends wherever he goes and jumps really high. He’s a shounen protagonist to his core: boundless enthusiasm, determination, friendship, the underdog. He’s also a magnetic hero.

This episode needs to cement the key aspects of Shoyo’s personality. He’s outgoing and “magnetic” – he makes friends with people from all walks of life. He is an underdog. Everyone loves an underdog, right? Effort and passion should be rewarded. The good guys should win. This episode really sets up how hard little Shoyo had to fight to be on the court and how he’s willing to fight to stay on it. The flashback occurring the moment he walks into the gym for his first tournament demonstrates this nicely: his junior high school didn’t have a team or a real club, none of his friends was interested in volleyball (although they were athletes of various persuasions) and he spent most of his time practising by himself against the wall or begging his friends to set the ball for him.

It’s okay, though: he has the magnetism of a true Shounen protagonist and not only manages to talk his friends into occasionally throwing the ball to him but also drags them to a tournament of a sport they’ve never played and don’t really understand. He’s also managed to talk some first-years into joining the team. Shoyo is very magnetic and I wonder how much he’s aware of it at this point. He’s not exactly reflective or a deep thinker.

He’s enthusiastic and determined. He will play volleyball to his full capabilities until the match point. When his teammate worries about getting hurt after watching him run into a wall, his response is “I don’t understand [why you want to slow down]. We haven’t lost yet”. It ain’t over until it’s over.

KAGEYAMA TOBIO (影山飛雄) - “Shadow Mountain” “Flying Hero”. What are his main traits? He’s volleyball mad, he’s ambitious and competitive, he’s tall, he’s athletic and strong, and he’s grumpy. Also intimidating – to his opponents and his teammates. The second-years on his team are scared of him. He hates to hear them trash-talking other players as they are only benchwarmers. He’s a setter – a control freak who takes every match he plays seriously, no matter the opponent. He will win at his best, dammit, and without holding back. He especially seems annoyed that the benchwarmers on his team place themselves above Hinata, even though they’re not even good enough to be regulars. “Don’t ride the coat-tails”, he tells them.

He wants to beat the block and the faster the attack, the better the hit, he believes. If people can’t keep up with him, that’s their fault. His sets are perfect. They need to keep up with him. If only they were as fast as Hinata, and capable of hitting difficult sets like when Izumi fumbles the ball and Shoyo leaps to save it and hits it anyway. They score their first genuine point off that, and Kageyama is impressed.

Kageyama and Shoyo are opposites, but they’re also mirrors of each other. Both are reckless: Kageyama throws reckless sets and Shoyo will leap for the ball even if he has to crash into walls and what-have-you. Both want to win. Both have their talents. Both love volleyball.

Something I found interesting is how the characters are in “sets”. Shoyo and Kageyama, obviously – their relationship is one of the major focuses of the whole series. The secondary characters too: Kunimi and Kindaichi to Kageyama and Izumi and Koji to Shoyo. They share the same jersey numbers: Kindaichi and Izumi are #5 and Kunimi and Koji are #6. These “sets” of minor characters only exist in the narrative in relation to each other. If Kindaichi appears, Kunimi is never far behind.

Izumi and Koji are third-years at this point, so why are their numbers lower than the first years? I realised (at the end of the episode) that Shoyo actually talked the first years into joining the volleyball club, not just the tournament team. Shoyo inspired a new generation of volleyball players – something he continues to do throughout the series.

Kindaichi and Kunimi are often showed in the background of Kageyama’s shots. Kunimi is the first person to serve in the game – he gets a few service aces. Kindaichi is the ace(?) of the team, often shown spiking Kageyama’s sets. This is an example of the subtle manipulation of the audience: hinting that these faces will reappear. It’s the same kind of story-telling that makes the reactors I’ve watched feel so smart when they predict something. The author wants you to notice them. The author is practically hanging a sign over them saying “remember these two!”.

When Kindaichi almost misses a reckless toss from Kageyama and expresses surprise that they managed to score from it, Kageyama responds “Faster!”, which makes Kindaichi irritated. Kunimi complain about his sets with him – Kunimi makes a comment about not having to work so hard as they’re outclassing Hinata’s team by miles – but Kageyama is taking the game seriously.

Kunimi and Kageyama squabble over Kunimi’s “laziness” – he doesn’t run for balls when they’re far enough in points, he doesn’t see why they have to try hard against such a weak and untrained team.

Kindaichi and Kageyama argue over Kageyama’s sets. Kageyama is the self-centred King of the Court after all. I think Kindaichi is actually a friendly sweetheart – and he seems to interact with Kageyama the most and deals with most of his sets. These missed friendships are missed opportunities for the three of them. (Manga spoilers): Kageyama shows he wants to be friends and play with them as adults.

Then, there are the Karasuno players. No faces, just those awesome black club jackets. I love those things. I now know that they are Suga, Daichi and Tanaka, but Furudate-sensei is good at building tension and anticipation by hiding their faces.

They appear in the stands at the junior high tournament, talking about Hinata and Kageyama’s match. Suga comments on Kageyama being “the King of the Court”. Ep 2 spoiler: Suga is a setter. Of course he’s going to appreciate Kageyama. Daichi also appreciates the overwhelming talent. It’s Tanaka who bets on Hinata becoming a threat. Tanaka seems to like Hinata’s spirit and athleticism. Ep 2 spoilers: He’s also the main hitter for the team at this point, so as the setter recognises the setter, the hitter acknowledges the hitter.

We later see them upon Shoyo’s arrival at Karasuno amongst the other clubs gathering applicants. Shimizu is also there. Daichi comments on the limited selection of applicants – this sets up the fact that Karasuno has been in decline: the “flightless crows” and such. There’s character establishing moments: Suga trying to cheer up Daichi and Tanaka flirting (and getting shut down) by Shimizu.

The Little Giant. Shoyo’s inspiration and hero, who shapes the entire course of his life. The 170 cm wing spiker makes him fall in love with volleyball and determined to enter Karasuno High School. Interesting how Shoyo never mentions his name. Maybe he doesn’t know it? He doesn’t really seem to understand the Little Giant at all. (Manga spoilers): I think this is why, by the time we meet Tenma Udai, he isn’t upset about his hero leaving volleyball behind. Now that he understands volleyball, he knows that he could never be the Little Giant anyway. Their play styles are different. Their positions are different. Shoyo can now be himself, forge his own playstyle – Ninja Shoyo, the ultimate decoy.

One thing I like about the characters is how their personalities/character development reflect their play styles, which becomes more apparent later on.

Motifs

“A tall, tall wall looms before me…”. This is the opening (and closing) of the season. It’s Shoyo’s greatest barrier – a literal wall holding him back from scoring. He can’t overcome it on his own, so, as shown in the opening scene, he needs the five other players on his side to get through it.

Crows (obvs). I find it funny to watch non-weeb reactors who don’t know what “Karasu” means. There are crows everywhere in this anime*.* The first time Shoyo sees the Little Giant jump, he sees black crow wings over the arms and gets blasted by crow feathers. Inspiration – seeing a human fly. Shoyo is now hooked on volleyball. When Shoyo’s running to the volleyball gym on Karasuno campus, he startles a crow who drops a feather in his face.

King of the Court. Before Shoyo even hears Kageyama’s nickname, he sees him wearing a cape and crown. The crowd (which Furudate-sensei often uses for exposition) also give him that name, and then Suga repeats it. When Kageyama appears in the hallway outside the bathroom, Shoyo sees him wearing the same outfit. Of course, Shoyo thinks this is a great thing – a reflection of his talent and powerful aura. Kageyama sets too fast for Kindaichi during the warm-ups and criticises him. Kindaichi rolls his eyes and half-heartedly apologies. The coach scolds him and tells him that the best set is the easiest for the hitter to spike.

Face receives. 2. 1 with a football (soccer) to Shoyo’s face, the other when Koji misses a receive.

“I can jump”. Shoyo says it to Kageyama while he’s being chastised for talking big. Izumi says it to Shoyo when they’re trying to sike themselves up for their match.

The pre-game bathroom break. Shoyo gets nervous after seeing Kitagawa Daichi and runs to the bathroom, only to run into players from the opposing team. This is a running gag throughout the series.

I don’t know if this counts, but I saw Shiratorizawa jackets in the crowd at the junior high tournament.

Many Youtube reactors commented on how Shoyo runs everywhere. He runs through the Karasuno campus on the way to the gym. The bouncing ball of sunshine has one gear: zoom. Similarly, Kageyama sets fast while Shoyo can cross the volleyball court in the blink of an eye. Their play styles complete each other.

Jersey numbers. Shoyo is 1, Kageyama is 2. When they get their jerseys (spoiler maybe?), Kageyama is 9 and Shoyo is 10. This is the only time Shoyo’s jersey number is higher than Kageyama. (Manga spoilers): in the V-league, Kageyama is 20, Shoyo is 21, then 9 and 10 again in the Olympics. As mentioned above, Kindaichi and Izumi are #5 and Kunimi and Koji are #6.

“One more” - mou ikkai. Hinata will forever ask for one more chance to play volleyball. He asks Izumi to set for him despite his complaints.

“The strong get to remain on the court”. Shoyo has to be good at volleyball to play volleyball. He wasn’t good enough to beat Kageyama, so he only got to play 31 minutes before having to leave, while everyone else got to play more games. Kageyama is used to winning at this point and only values people who can stay on the court.

Plot

Kageyama versus Hinata. This is arguably the main plot point of the series. Hinata wants to win and Kageyama defeats him. Hinata sees him as a good player, so if he also wants to be a good player, he needs to be able to outplay him. Kageyama envies his natural jumping height and speed. They argue and fight and challenge and inspire each other – destined rivals. Such a shounen trope.

Hinata is an underdog who had to fight to stay on the court. He didn’t have a coach, he didn’t have a team. Kind of an aside, but somehow he has good jumping form (according to Coach Donny) which seems to confuse volleyball players who react to Haikyuu. They wonder why he doesn’t know how to change his spike direction and forget that he’s new to the sport. As someone who doesn’t know anything about volleyball form, I found this interesting.

Hinata is willing to put the work in to develop his skills. At the beginning of the episode, he is horrified when a teacher suggests he joins the girl’s volleyball team but asks them for help (along with the 1st years who seem to be permanent members now) at the end of the episode during the montage. He also studies for the High School entrance exams and makes it into Karasuno – his determination has paid off and he wants to go to his dream school even if he has to bike over the mountains every day.

Kitagawa Daichi is in the newspaper/magazines stating their defeat. This is foreshadowing the downfall of Kageyama and the King of the Court and sort of the big plot twist at the end of the episode:

“I’m finally at Karasuno!” Shoyo thinks, running to his first meet at the gymnasium. Then...Boom – Kageyama. His sworn rival is now his teammate.

I'm sure I missed a whole lot of stuff but this was what caught my attention.

#haikyuu!!#meta #long post #analysis #themes #1x01 #manga spoilers

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riverdale-retread · 3 years

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Riverdale S2 E21 (Spoilers)

- The most overburdened child in Riverdale (Jughead) has the busiest night in television history. I wonder if this is why Jughead just up and lets himself get beaten to death - he’s *tired* and low on blood sugar and he has had no Betty Time and no Brooding Alone Time. I was treated to some really beautiful close ups of pale wan Jughead looking miserable and upset (OK so this is my favorite Jughead, the tortured one, and yes I am a bad person).

- Riverdale HS becomes a battleground - so the thing that happened in S5, with the prisoners breaking in, was not new. And Archie and Kevin team up to defend it from, this time, Sweet Pea and some of the Serpents. This is why Kevin is so calm when it happens again 10 years later, when he’s a grown man, because he dealt with this when he was a kid.

- The FP- Jughead chemistry is truly unbeatable. Both of them get highly emotional with each other in a way they rarely do with other people, and the Jones men have a surprisingly large vocal range. They’re almost singing at each other, sometimes. (”Will you just listen to me?” - “Auuugh!”) Jones Man Allure (as named by Alice) is premised on a sadness so intense that when it rears up it makes them lose their voice and go hoarse.

- One of the undercurrent subplots of Riverdale is the battle for Protagonist Boy, which is primarily between Archie and Jughead, but in this episode Sweet Pea!! throws his hat in the ring!

Sweet Pea has some Archie in him: Once Fangs is shot, he begins acting out, destroying the premises of the school he was so pleased to be transferred to because it had working toilets (among other things), and because he’s so physically competent and so tall, he actually does a lot of damage.

Sweet Pea also gets a face off with Jughead, at the White Wyrm, when they argue about what to do next. Two pretty boys with a curled lock of Raven Hair of Drama on their forehead have a nostril flare battle and I am so here for it. Jughead actually shoves Sweet Pea against the wall but it’s very evident that Sweet Pea *allowed* him to do this, because when Sweet Pea swats at Jughead, Jughead goes flying across the room.

Sadly, Sweet Pea’s Protagonist Boy candidacy is short lived, because Jughead persuasively points out that Sweet Pea is too hot blooded and lacks strategy. (The thing is, this is true of FP, so in the end, actually, they do what Sweet Pea wanted to do, which is fight everyone, and the thing Jughead was afraid would happen happens, and they lose everything).

- Cheryl is one tough cookie. She reacts to a home invasion by an ax wielding psycho three times her size in all directions in a rapid sequence of empowerment: Scream - Run - Hide - Cry - Get Weapons - Threaten - Shoot - Call Betty (totally calm, strategy worked out). Also, Cheryl has apparently been shooting more than targets at home. She accurately predicts how a wounded Black Hood will react to being shot with an arrow, which means she’s shot other mammals.

- Penny Peabody is a vastly superior villain to Hiram Lodge, and I wish they’d done more with her. I absolutely adore how utterly peeved Penny is to ever have to be talking to Jughead, the stupid cocky kid, as the lead Serpent. This is not what she signed up for, to have this twerp talking to her like he’s not even her equal but her SUPERIOR. Penny Peabody vibrates with fury that this is what the Serpents have come to, and she’s such a petty bitch, too. She has the time and energy to scrape off Jughead’s tattoo with the knife, but somehow not the stomach to slit his throat. Penny is also hyper competent - she’s a competent attorney, she’s a competent drug dealer, and she can work with anyone. Wasted talent, really.

- JOPAZ. All of the adult Serpents think Jopaz is absolutely real, and neither Toni nor Jughead ever deny it. Tall Boy was the first one, to designate Jughead “your boyfriend” to Toni in the White Wyrm, and while Jughead flares up, neither Toni nor Jughead say ‘we’re not dating.’ Penny Peabody, the expert of Serpent underbellies, also thinks Toni is Jughead’s girlfriend (Southside Smurfette, how dare you).

- A constant theme on even non-medical US dramas is the failure of the American health system. Fred had a ridiculously massive hospital bill that insurance refused to cover, apparently, which lead to him getting into financial cahoots with criminals. The intake nurse that Jughead screams at does not give a crap that Fangs has been shot, and a nearby doctor overhearing the exchange by chance is what gets Fangs medical attention. Oh and that doctor gets murdered by a patient and nobody in the hospital knows what’s happened (This is similar to a storyline in Grey’s Anatomy.)

- Truly very funny moment: Hal is showing the snuff film to Alice and Betty, and Alice starts to object, and Hal snarls, “Shut the hell up, Alice, for once in your life!” and Hal’s mom on the film reel chimes in with “That’s right” immediately after.

- Betty whacks a man on the back of the head x 4! This time, it’s her dad, and with a fireplace shovel. (S2: Shovel to Black Hood the False, Rolling Pin on Chic, Fireplace Shovel on Black Hood the Real, and S4: Golf Club on Brett)

- Jughead cannot ever help himself when he can get his Poirot on. He figures out what Hiram is doing, and instead of talking it over with someone, anyone, he just calls Hiram directly and tells him what he’s figured out, and asks “How much is this costing you??” and then offers an alternative. Jughead and Hiram both know that Jughead is given Protagonist powers, even if he’s not a full on Protagonist Boy, which is why, as Penny says, getting rid of Jughead is really important to Hiram.

-I found it very moving that Jughead keeps calling Hiram “Mr Lodge” in the same way that I found it touching that Weatherbee can stop two packs of hormone and grief crazed teenage boys in their tracks by just showing up and yelling at them.

-Oh and since I’m counting: Archie has stuff happening but he’s currently subsumed by the Advantage Jughead situation re: Protagonist Boy, and as a result everyone associated with his particular plot thread (Veronica, who brings in Hermione, and also Kevin and Reggie) get pushed into the background with him. See e.g. Hermione shoots a man to death in her house and it barely makes a ripple. By the way, why is there no panic room at the Pembroke??

#jughead jones #sweet pea #southside serpents #fp jones #penny peabody #jopaz #cheryl blossom #riverdale #riverdale opinions #too many thoughts about riverdale #spoilers #riverdale recap #riverdale episode recap

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falsegoodnight · 4 years

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i haven’t been able to read as many new fics as i would have liked and definitely not enough for my usual wrap up rec but i still wanted to do some sort of fic rec list for this month - i saw @allwaswell16 do this and couldn’t help but do it myself!

i wasn’t able to go as in depth for each of them as i would have liked (this is already so late!) but just know that all of these fics are all-time favorites for me and they’re all so incredible!

if you decide to read any of these lovely fics, remember to leave kudos and comment!

all these prompts came from the fic rec bingo sheet which you can find from the original creator here.

✰ a fic you love without knowing the source material:

Latibule by @quelquesetoiles | E | 54k - (mythology, god/immortal harry, supernatural, jealous harry, amazing atmosphere, have reread over and over since it came out, one of my favorites of all time)

✰ a fic with a premise that shouldn’t work but does:

another hazy may by deLILah | E | 41k - (the premise is actually fine, i just am struggling to find one that fits the prompt haha, i don’t want to tell you what this is about - just read it, louis may be a terrible poet but this author isn’t, a favorite of all time)

✰ a fic you’ve reread several times:

Ours are the moments I play in the dark by @holdingthornsandroses | E | 31k - (persuasion au, exes to lovers, regency au, pining, amazing atmosphere, and so so so good, have read at least ten times since it came out i’m sure)

✰ a fic you still remember years later:

Something In The World Today by @crazyupsetter | E | 48k - (a favorite of all time, canon compliant, d/s elements, friends to lovers, friends with benefits, amazing amazing amazing)

✰ a comfort fic:

This Wicked Game by @cherrystreet | E | 70k - (bachelor au, bachelor harry, contestant louis, jealousy, hurt/comfort, have read over a dozen times i’m sure, a favorite of all time)

✰ a cathartic fic:

where the lights are beautiful by twoshipsdrifting | E | (abo, accidental bonding, hurt/comfort, pining louis, this fic hurts so good, and i always read it when i need to let it all out)

✰ a fic you’d print and put on your bookshelf:

Tainted Saints and Velvet Vices by Toomanytears | E | 126k - (hp au, triwizard tournament, dragons, gryffindor louis, slytherin harry, enemies to lovers, slow burn, sexual tension, so so so amazing)

✰ a fic you associate with a song:

Canyon Moon by @eeveelou | E | 41k - (abo, lion king au, pack au, arranged marriage, childhood friends to lovers, soulmates, hurt/comfort, reminds me of the namesake song of course, a fav!)

✰ a fic that inspires you:

Here In The Afterglow by @harrybridgers | E | 89k - (70s au, highschool au, period typical homophobia, bullying, strangers to friends to lovers, the atmosphere in this is impeccable)

✰ a fic that brought you on board with a new ship:

poison & wine by @tllthesundies | E | 16k - (alex x louis, yes i know it’s still technically harry shush, this fic made me fall in love with the concept anyway, flatmates, strangers to lovers, ptsd, amazing)

✰ a fic you wish could be a movie:

once upon a dream by @louehvolution | E | 33k - (psychic louis, fbi agent harry, mystery/suspense, slow burn, hurt/comfort, a favorite of all time, seriously never gets old)

✰ a fic that led to you making friends with the author:

a trail of honey through it all by @yvesaintlourent | E | 27k - (tph harry, southern harry, mechanic harry, rich louis, fashion student louis, strangers to friends to lovers, so amazing and lovely and hot)

✰ free space:

This Glorious Mess by @lil0 | 14k - (have reread over and over, exes to lovers, mpreg louis, hairstylist louis, businessman harry, miscommunication, so so so good)

✰ a fic you’ve gushed about irl:

haunted by the ghost of you by @missandrogyny | E | 49k - (ghost harry, real estate agent louis, somewhat enemies to lovers, literally one of the best fics ever)

✰ a fic you associate with a place:

No Place Without You by @fackinglouis | E | 19k - (college au, takes place in nyc and i read it in nyc, wanderlost, so lovely)

✰ a fic that made you gasp out loud:

Collision by @tequiladimples | E | 225k - (supernatural, fairy tales, fairy louis, dark harry, enemies to lovers, perfection)

✰ a fic you found at the right time:

Close to Nowhere by @angelichl | E | 35k - (psychic louis, psychic harry, enemies to lovers, clairvoyance, ghosts, supernatural investigators, sexual tension, protective harry, all the best things <3)

✰ a fic that you would read fic of:

Quietly Our Hearts Beat by @darlou | E | 7k - (quiet place au, i know it’s only 7k, but it’s 7k of utter perfection - i’d die for this harry and louis)

✰ a fic that made you laugh out loud:

UN(RE)SOLVED by @daddyharrie | E | 21k | (buzzfeed unsolved au, ghost hunting, friends to lovers, jealous harry, funny, amazing, have reread over and over since it came out!)

✰ a fic with a line or two you’ve memorized by heart:

Have You Coming Back Again by @crazyupsetter | E | 31k - (college au, frat boy harry, a classic, “i will destroy everything you love,”...)

✰ a fic that gave you butterflies:

Weightless by @smittenwithlouis | E | 25k - (dragons, dragon rider harry, vet louis, what more needs to be said? so cute and amazing)

✰ a fic that embodies something you value in life:

Saving Symphony Hall by @helloamhere | E | 125k - (abo, touch depri, businessman louis, fake dating, angst, hurt/comfort, slow burn, anxiety/mental health issues, so good)

✰ a favorite au:

what this world is about by @bloubird | E | 34k - (highschool au, football player harry, 80s au, period typical homophobia, can’t even describe how this one makes me feel, literally a masterpiece - i’d do anything for the continuation)

✰ a fic you stayed up way too late to finish reading:

nothing worsens, nothing grows by @soldouthaz | E | 103k - (roadtrip au, enemies to lovers, misunderstandings, loss of virginity, insecure louis, a favorite of all time)

✰ a fic that made you feel seen:

Etched in salt (is a cathedral of the world) by @helloamhere | E | 24k - (infj problems indeed, supernatural, telempath louis, mystery, touch deprivation, so amazing)

well, this was definitely a lot harder than i anticipated but all of these are fics i love with my whole heart!

and again:

if you decide to read any of these lovely fics, remember to leave kudos and comment!

and let me know if i made any errors!

#my fic recs #fic recs #fic rec bingo #28th appreciation

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tooncraze · 3 years

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Anastasia - PaTB AU

My turn to hop on this Pinky and The Brain Disney, only this time I’m using a princess that’s Disney on a technicality. Let me introduce to you: Pikastasia.

Okay let’s meet out characters shall we?

Anastasia - Pinky (Pinkastasia)

Dimitri - Brain

Vlad - Yakko

Sophie - Dot (For obvious reasons Yakko and Dots connections with each other will be based off of their sibling relationship)

Bartok - Wakko

Rasputin - Snowball (Snowputin)

The Dowager Empress Marie - Nora Rita Norita

Phlegmenkoff - Dr. Otto Scratchandsniff

So this is the list of main characters that will be mostly in the film, extras can be whomever. Now I’d also just like to clear up for those still confused about Vlad and Sophie, yes they are in a romantic relationship in the movie and that helps them get to the Dowager, so obviously that’s NOT an option, so their sibling relationship will help them in this case.

I’m not really changing the rest of their names cause frankly I don’t feel like it, so if you want to that’s fine.

Onto the story premise!

So in this version the main story stays kind of the same. Brain, with his bud Yakko are trying to take over Russia by finding someone to impersonate the long lost princess, Pinkastasia. He’s been trying to find a suitable actor for months now, once he finds the perfect person, they will learn the part, go to Paris, and convince the Dowager and get her reward money. With this they can earn her trust and with their money, take over Russia, and then with Russia’s resources, The World. It was the perfect plan.

Pinky leaves the orphanage (Scratchandsniff kicking him out) like in the film as well. He wanders around for a bit, sings his lovely song and all that Jazz.

When he makes in to Russia he realizes he doesn’t have all the correct resources to leave Russia and an old lady directs him to a man named The Brain, who might be able to help. She gives him directions to the old palace and he sets off.

When he makes it the the palace he can’t help but feel it’s familiar to him- but that’s crazy. Of course Pinky has another musical number here and it’s lovely.

The Brain and Yakko hear something from inside the palace and go to investigate. After a bit of cat and mouse, pun very much intended, they catch the intruder, another mouse. Taken aback by the uncanny resemblance of the princess Brain and Yakko are speechless for a moment. But only a moment.

Brain notices quickly that Pinky isn’t the sharpest toll in the shed, and knows he can use that to his advantage. He briefly mentions to Yakko his plan and the two of them agree. After a little persuasion Pinky agrees, after all, he had no memory of his past life- who’s to say he isn’t the princess?

The group make their way from the scene and we see Bartok- er Wakko for the first time talking to himself about the princess, with an odd green vile next to him. It becomes alive at the notion of Pinkastasia still being alive and flys him to the underworld/purgatory. We meet Snowball/Rasputin here. We learn of his curse and his pledge, I don’t exactly remember when he sings his song but that happens eventually.

Pinky, Brain, and Yakko begin their journey to Paris, teaching Pinky how to act and talk like a princess. While Brain and Yakko are giving Pinky information about Pinkastasia’s life, Pinky offers answers and details that they weren’t aware of.

They get on a train, and it goes the same as the film, wrong passports and then a lovely fire filled compartment. They jump for it and continue their journey.

After the lovely travel song they make it to their ship.

Once on Brain offers Pinky a dress he thought he might like, only because he’d been wearing the same scraps since they met of course. YES OF COURSE THEY DANCE AND IT’S BEAUTIFUL. Anyway, when getting ready for bed Pinky notices a lovely music box, wondering why Brain would own something like that he attempted to open it, only it was locked. He put it back and went to sleep.

Pinky has a night terror inflicted by Snowputin and Brain saves him from jumping overboard during the crazy storm.

They finally arrive in Paris where they are quickly greeted by Sophie/Dot. After seeing her brother the two embrace and are let inside. Pinky gives the rundown of everything he’d been told about Pinkastasia and Dot is impressed. When asked how he could’ve possibly escaped the palace during the fire Brain realized he hadn’t told Pinky anything about that and panics. Only to his surprise, Pinky gives as answer, and a correct one at that! Brain had never told anyone about “Opening a wall”. And yet... Then it struck him. He went outside to collect his thoughts.

Yakko comes out happily explaining they could find the Dowager at the ballet later that evening, only to see Brain wasn’t as excited as he ought to be. Brain tells Yakko that Pinky is truly Pinkastasia. He tells Yakko about the “opening wall” and how he was the boy who had done it. Yakko tells Brain he ought to tell Pinky but Brain refuses, this changes nothing.

Dot invites the group to a night out in Paris! They shop and go to expensive restaurants. Pinky purchases a new dress and Brain has a hard time processing his emotions, he figured they were irrelevant, but managed to compliment him anyway. Why?

The whole night Brain couldn’t stop thinking about how Pinky was really Pinkastasia. He needed to get him to the Dowager as soon as possible- for the money of course.

After the ballet Brain reassures Pinky that everything is going to be okay after noticing how he was on edge. Pinky and Brain make their way through the crowd and Dot loudly exclaims that he is not to enter, with a wink. The Dowager is not impressed however and still refuses to see anyone else about being the princess. This is when Pinky overhears how Brain was notorious for having people impersonate the princess, and how he was probably just in it for the money and it’s not the first time. Pinky’s obviously hurt that he was lied to. Brain tries to explain himself but Pinky won’t hear it and runs off.

Hurt and desperate Brain finds the Dowager’s automobile and pretends to be her driver. After speeding through the streets of Paris with the Dowager screeching at him to let her out, Brain stops in front of where they were staying. He shows the dowager the music box he has, knowing he had acquired it from the palace all those years ago. He said he was the boy that had opened the wall, and bagged her to talk to Pinky. The Dowager was surprised by this development and agreed.

Entering the room Pinky was supposedly in, she found him packing his bags. She offered to talk, but Pinky felt guilty and didn’t want to hurt her any further. However after noticing Pinky’s necklace, the Dowager pulled out the music box. Brain’s music box! The dowager asked to use the necklace and unlocked the music box that played a quiet little tune. The two sang their song and Pinky knew he was the long lost Princess. For real.

We are now in a large plush home with Pinky and the Dowager, they’re talking about the past and its lovely being able to be with each other again. There’s also a quick mention of a ball in celebration for Pinky’s return.

Pinky is getting dressed up for the event and Brain runs into him as he’s going to see the Dowager. The exchange quick conversation and Brain goes to see Nora. She offers him his money, only for him to refuse it. She’s surprised, he brought Pinky back to her and saved their lives, and yet he wants nothing? She sends him on his way and he again sees Pinky on his way out. Pinky wishes him well with his cash and Brain leaves with a heavy heart, not mentioning he refused the cash. It was easier to leave with Pinky believing he had.

During the ball Pinky feels out of wack. Why wasn’t he happy? This was probably the most important night of his life! He was with his family, there was food and music! Everything was perfect, and yet something wasn’t right. The Dowager wasn’t a fool, and explained that while they were together again, he could still make his own choices. She also mentioned Brain hadn’t taken the reward when Pinky tried to use it against him. Pinky realized Brain must’ve had a change of heart, but if so, why didn’t he say something?

Suddenly he was distracted by a little dog who had run into the palace only to run back out. He followed the dog through the large maze behind the palace. It was dark and the dog had disappeared. An evil laugh rang through the air as Pinky was officially introduced to Snowputin in all his undead glory. He introduced himself but Pinky had a lingering thought that he’d seen him before. Snowputin confirmed this and explained Pinkastasia was the only reason he was still here, and he had a job to finish.

Fearing for his life Pinky tried to run, but Snowputin used his powers to change the surrounding scenery, and Pinky realized he was on a stone bridge. Wakko who’d been doing his bidding throughout the entirety of the sketch opted out, claiming it would only end in tears, and went to find his sibs.

Snowputin began to destroy the bridge, and Pinky with it- until he heard someone call to him. Pinky recognized the voice instantly- Brain had come to save him! Oh good!

Snowputin smiled an wicked smile and shot a spark at a stone hoarse statue (Yes this can be Phar Fignewton if you’d like) Either way it came flying down to Brain, as it had been given wings, and picked him up, only to drop him from a height and come barreling down onto him, though he’d luckily rolled out of the way before he was crushed.

Snowputin had been distracted long enough for Pinky to climb up the collapsing bridge and tackle Snowputin. Pinky was unfortunately over powered and was sent off the side of the bridge- though he felt his had get caught be someone else. Brain had made his escape from the hoarse and grabbed Pinky. Snowputin was infuriated and hit Brain out of the way, he zapped some more of the bridge and sent it crumbling down on brain, knocking him unconscious, though Pinky had managed to grab onto Snowputin and hit his vile out of his hands. Enraged Snowputin yelled and Pinky to give it back, of course Pinky was furious as well at this point and began to crush the decorated glass.

Upon destroying the relic, Snowputin began to deteriorate as his soul was fused to it. He screamed and turned to dust. Pinky didn’t have time to process that of course, Brain was hurt. He ran over to him and shook him slightly, thankfully he awoke groggily. Pinky was overjoyed, as was Brain, though his whole body hurt. Brain tried to explain to Pinky how he was sorry about lying to him, but Pinky didn’t want to hear it, he was just glad he had come back and had a change of heart. The two hold on to each other a moment longer, Pinky’s large blue eyes had entranced Brain, his feelings from earlier had come surging back at full force, he felt- well he didn’t know what he felt, but he didn’t want it to go away.

Pinky lowered his face to meet Brain’s, and the two didn’t separate for several moments. Brain didn’t want to be away from Piny again. And they weren’t, Pinky decided he wanted to make a life for himself, and after finding who he was, he wanted to find out what he could become. Him and Brain decided to go their own way together, and though Brain had a change of heart from this scheme doesn’t mean he completely gave up on his lifelong conquest to take over Russia, or the world. Only this time, Pinky would accompany him, someone had to keep him honest.

So there we have it! The premise of the movie told very poorly through a Tumblr post. I like to think if this were just another sketch Yakko would point out the kiss wasn’t scripted but no one dared bring it up.

I will also be working on concept sketches with all the characters in their respected outfits, I can’t wait to draw Pinky in all those dresses, especially those pajamas Anastasia wears near the end of the film.

#PaTB AU #Pinky and the Brain #animaniacs #PaTB anastasia AU #Pinkastasia #concept #warner siblings #i spent too much time on this

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galacticidiots · 4 years

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What I read this week

Here’s a roundup of all the delicious stories I’ve read recently, in case you’re looking for something new to entertain you. Give them a read and don’t forget to leave the author some love!

and I hate accidents (excepts when we went from friends to this) (T, 9K) A soft, soft, soft University AU. I love it disgusting amounts. This author never, ever disappoints.

is this what they mean by destiny? (G, 4K) It’s a canon-compliant soulmate AU and it’s beautiful.

Globe Kink (E, K) An utterly delightful friends to lovers story that begins... with a typo.

flash sale (M, 5K) Vampire AU, but make it a romcom. Delicious.

My Heart Always Belonged to You (E, WIP) The modern day Persuasion AU I asked for in my dreams. I love that the roles are reversed! Piiiiining galore.

The Way I Loved You (E, WIP) On the day of her wedding, Rey receives a letter. It changes everything. Eeeeeeek, the angst. I’m so excited for this one.

Diamond Sky (E, 62K) Just finished it this morning and it’s wonderful. Aladdin AU!

Sunflower (E, 6K) This made me snort tea out my nose at certain parts. That might not be a charming visual, but this fic certainly is!

What Happens in Canto Bight (M, 130K) The Supreme Leader and the Last Jedi wake up together, hungover and married. From there, it’s an adventure to figure out the mystery behind their sudden elopement. S’cuuuute.

Midnight Hearts (E, WIP) This came out today and I can’t wait for an update. The premise is my taste in everything - an arranged marriage between Ben, Prince of Alderaan and Rey, Senator Palpatine’s granddaughter *squee!*

#reylo #fic rec

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stardust-steel · 3 years

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Submission for KakaVege week prompt Working out + Old Men @kakavegeweek

Premise: Goku and Vegeta bond with androids and Piccolo as people around them fade away first. 18 and 17 begins to scheme to set them up .

***

Snippet as below:

Vegeta scowled at the Cell Jr approaching them. “I don’t understand how you can allow yourself to live with these creatures . Eugh.”

17’s gaze sharpened. “His name is CJ1, not creature . They understand you, you know.”

Vegeta’s glare intensified. “I don’t care what they’re called, they’re an abomination.”

“They’re just kids.”

“They were your enemy.”

“They were from my enemy,” 17 corrected. “Also, that’s big talk for someone hanging around with theirs,” he couldn’t resist adding, gesturing to where Goku was.

“It’s not the same,” Vegeta defended. CJ2 chose that moment to come up super close to peer with curious eyes at Vegeta, who glared back.

17’s jaw tightened a little. He wanted to argue, but he’d learnt by watching Goku that Vegeta reacted better through persuasion than coercion.

“CJs are blue,” 17 pointed out, wondering if the visual differences might help. “Cell was green.”

Vegeta gave him a look that told 17 why everyone had been so terrified of him once. “I see being a cybernetic human hasn’t eroded you of the ability to state the obvious.”

Well, that was rich coming from Vegeta, who was supposedly a genius among his kind but was completely blind to the way Goku looked at him, so. 17 just shrugged.

He pointed out another difference. “They don’t have the stingers Cell does, so they can’t hurt you.”

“ Please. They can’t hurt me even with the stingers,” Vegeta scoffed.

“So they’re harmless, yes?”

“Harmless doesn’t mean innocent.”

“Innocence is overrated,” 17 countered, and smiled when Vegeta acknowledged the point with a nod. “Those who look the most innocent tend to be the most wicked. Look at Marron.”

Vegeta snorted. “Look at Kakarot .”

They both looked. Goku was currently making silly faces at CJ5 , while Goten tried to sneak up behind him. His hair was lit in super saiyan gold, so the contrast of Super Saiyan brilliance against his increasingly comical expressions was rather jarring to watch.

“He is a curious one indeed,” 17 allowed.

“Understatement of the century.”

Goku was now play-fighting both Goten and CJ5 off. “I thought he did it on purpose,” 17 mused. Vegeta raised one eyebrow. “The whole human tactic of ‘keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer,’ that kind of thing.”

Vegeta actually chuckled out loud at that one. 17 mildly wondered if he knew how much fondness had slipped in that laugh. “And now?”

“And now I know better. Goku doesn’t really think of things like that, it seems.”

“Hn.” Vegeta took a sip of his own drink in turn. “Kakarot can be manipulative in his own way, but his intentions are hardly, if ever, malicious.”

17 glanced at Vegeta, just in time to catch something in his eyes. That same look Eighteen had when she looked at Krillin.

Aha. So this thing 18 called heart-eyes was indeed two-way, not that 17 had ever doubted it. But hanging around animals taught 17 to read more from motion rather than speech.

Vegeta turned his head and caught 17’s calculating expression, immediately turning on the defensive. “What?”

17 raised an eyebrow. Where 18 might have said something to roast the prince, 17 chose to just go back to his beautiful cup of coffee. Silence was more powerful than words, sometimes.

Vegeta looked utterly wrong-footed.

#kakavege #vegeta #goku #gokuvegeta #カカベジ #dbs #kakavegeweek2021 #engineerdrocks #engineerd is🔥#ilycc #I love the dynamic in this fic

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psychemeanscure · 4 years

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PART 11

“Excuse me, Señor. If you don’t mind. May you please allow me to punch your son for almost harming my dearest fiancé?”

His firm permission while convicting eyes never left to his one and only target, Zilo Alcaziar who was just standing at the corner right across where his father is seated. As the old Alcaziar was taken aback for he had no idea as well, glancing his son who’s pleading eyes bore to be spared. “Oh? Is that so, young man? The floor is yours then.”

Even motioning its hands as if to welcome his awaiting assault. “No! Papá, I’m your son. You can’t---“

He hasn’t got the chance to complete his statement indeed, as Jang Taeyoung’s fist already landed onto him, that later can’t seem to process anything on how a single punch can give a great damage for he stumbled with a bleeding teeth. “That is all, Señor. I must go. Thank you for your time.”

Succeeded by his only intention, he bid goodbye just like that, leaving the grumbling son of the enemy. “That’s absurd, Papá! You letting me be punched when I’m your son?!” just to be responded by an uncontrollable laugh from his father or rather more like an insult. “Ooh. That young lad. He keeps on surprising me, really. You should learn from him son.” Acting as if a proud parent which only made Zilo snort yet not too long after sensing the tending action of his father.

Zilo can never forget what had just happened to him this past few days, given the ransack from his warehouse at the same day. Now he was dazed by how the tables turned so easily with this arrogant culprit from yesterday. That a knock from the center table can only hold him back from reverie.

“Are you with me, Zilo?” Jang Taeyoung who eventually tries to catch his attention. “You’re spacing out. What’s bothering you?” his proceeding words then before sipping his glass of vodka. Just to be responded from Zilo’s frustrating groan. “You, brother. What’s your catch, eh? From what I remember, you were initially pissed about what I did. Then what is this? I don’t understand.”

His bewilderment surely before a dealing reaction from Jang who simply putting down his drink on the table. “Let’s just say… Punching you after made me change my perspective?”

“You mean?”

“I mean; this offer I have for you might give you a chance to fight against your Papá?”

Thus the young Alcaziar stifled for a while. Later to frown after realizing his last statement. “What makes you think that I could actually go against my father, huh? That’s crazy.” His denying defenses indeed, just to be responded by a smirking confidence of him. “Are you sure about that brother? Your reaction seems to defy the other way around though.”

And finally, silently complimenting himself for he already sees the off-guard reaction of the latter, surrendering from the nowhere walls of his words that the only thing it could do was to avoid his knowing gaze. “I-I doubt it still. I’m sure s-sister wouldn’t approve with this, even.”

A couple of stutters from the caged young man certainly, but just an adamant response for Jang Taeyoung. “I think you’ve forgotten that I’m her beloved husband-to-be, eh? I can convince my dear Amilia in just a span of time. You have nothing to worry. “

With the last sip of his drink, he then decides to stand up, planning on wrapping their talks. “I’m not usually impatient, but I actually expecting your decision as soon as tomorrow. I’m counting on you, Zilo.” As he was about to turn the knob to leave, Zilo hastily halt him from doing.

“Wait.”

“Yes?”

There he saw its hesitating set of words, but ends up stating it so. “Did you somehow knew of a gang who has their mask on during attacks?”

Now, he needs to hide his proud grimace as well. Of course he knew, how he wouldn’t be. “Hmm. Let me see. I think I heard about them. Why?” laughing from his thoughts definitely for his superb acting skills that he actually saw himself lifting his gaze to the ceiling as if truthfully thinking out of concern for the clueless kiddo who’s face starting to light up by his hopeful words. “Great! Could you please find them for me? Those rascals. They came out of nowhere, ransacking my warehouse. Urgh. I’m sure they are after the drugs. Hijo de puta. Tss.”

“Ah, is that so? Alright. I will find them for you.”

His only dispassionate response which was just answered by a simple nod. Leaving its premise at last, as he intendedly contacts her whom he expected not to return his calls.

“Jeez. My mademoiselle, really. Guess a visit will do, huh?”

With an expectant smirk from his face, he then went back into his sedan, looking forward on cooling down his precious lioness who’s currently taking her shower actually. Mind still messed by the sudden turns of event. Cursing him with all her might. “What must I do to you, Jang Taeyoung. You, cabrón.” Forehead leaning to shower tiles as she closely escapes a deafening sigh of frustration.

“Coming!”

Thought of it as her room service, she went straight to open the door without checking her intercom. Slipping from the idea of late regrets.

“What are you doing here?”

Her cold greeting which only eagerly responded by his awestruck reaction. Arms, confidingly leaning by the threshold of the door. Biting his lips from the living Aphrodite in front of him. “What a beautiful sight for a welcome, lioness. May I enter your den?”

His coy remark which only failed to entertain by his confidant who just turns her head from him as it chooses to go straight to her kitchen, getting a pitcher of water. “As if you get swayed from a simple shoo, loco. You’ll let yourself in, anyway.”

Her surrendering welcome obviously, just to be followed by the trailing explicit look of him as if memorizing every bit of her moves. The way her hips wave from his liking, The lick of her tongue from the lingering satisfaction of water. And what more can surpass by the wet look of her long hair which only makes it sexier as it was fixed all through the left side of her neck, making the other side exposed for his discerning needs. Obviously fresh from the bathroom, like the hell! She’s just wearing a bathrobe!

“Stop stripping me in your mind Jang Taeyoung. You can’t have it.”

The next thing she knew?

She was already pinned towards her closed fridge, needed to grasp an air by his sudden entrapment. An arm on the border of its freezer while the other on the edge of the kitchen sink tile. “Oh yeah? So what if… I push to have it, eh? Sung Eunyoung?”

He may not be doing anything beside his desirable eyes bore onto hers, but knowing the reason of it is what torments her, as she gave a savage stare against it. Arms crossed beneath him, chin up as if reminding her supremacy. “Then let me know the reason behind it?”

There she blurts it out. Admitting her own contemplation between not giving him a chance to speak out or give in one last try. Yet, she chose the latter, hoping silently to the man just inches in front of her sanity.

But it didn’t happen. He did not give way for the last time. “I see. You are mad still.”

Just diverted the topic right after he pulls away from trapping her, as he chooses to lean beside her by the kitchen sink instead. “Look, Sung Eunyoung. It’s not that I want to hide this thing from you. But believe me, this isn’t the right time, It’s too dangerous for now. I have to make sure of it first, and I will definitely let you know. Please understand, hm?”

His straight explanation which only let herself intently looking at him. Later found the answer of her hesitations. “Okay.”

Her simple response as she left to his gaze and just plan to get the pitcher she used, back to where it belongs. While him in the other hand, remain unconvinced. Questioning eyes only following to every move she does. “That’s it? No follow up remarks?”

He was unsure from her words truly that she had to rest an arm to her waist as if letting him see her impatience. “Yes, okay. Do I have to elaborate? You’ve got my permission already.” her mere counter which only made him scratch his sideburn while following her every steps. “That isn’t sound convincing for me, Sung Eunyoung. I need to hear it sincerely, please?”

Thus she stops by her tracks urging herself to face him, as a deep sigh escapes from her mouth. Boring eyes, looking right through him.

“Okay. I will understand. Now could you please go home because I’m tired, Jang. I really am.”

She gives in as she actually massaging her temple by her free hand. Just to be left off-guard later. Jang Taeyoung who cups a hand to her cheek, thumb motioning a circular caress, only gets hard for her as she saw a smile she had never seen from him before. Care

“I will. That’s the assuring words I only have to hear, anyway. Good night?”

His soft voice isn’t helping either. Mierda! She can’t almost hear her own voice, that she was just stuck from exploring to his eyes which only stares at her expectantly. “Hm.” Her mere reply indeed before she heard the last shut from her door. Ending her night by the sheets of her bed.

Gripping a tight hold to her phone. Eyes shut in guilt. For she had finally decided even after all his persuasions.

“Do it.”

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