#he's not a violent person but towards the end of his career he has to deal with recurring assassination attempts

[canisalbus]

Whenever you mention Machete having a stiletto, my brain always first assumes you're talking about the shoe and the imagery of Machete always wearing them to serve as self defense will infinitely amuse me

He's been practicing his high kicks.

#own art #own characters #CanisAlbus #Machete #blood #cw blood #wit-is-wisdom #sorry this turned out more graphic than intended #he's not a violent person but towards the end of his career he has to deal with recurring assassination attempts

[theflagscene]

Let’s talk about Mr. Keng

There’s something I found really odd about the interactions between Non and Keng, besides the whole fucking each other thing. I’m not downplaying the misuse of power and the inherent wrongness of the teacher/student relationship here, but I am used to seeing it over the years in queer media so I wasn’t shocked by it tbh. I don’t know why but there are a lot of queer media over the many years I’ve been watching it that seem to pair an exceptional student with a teacher, or even adults with barely legal teenagers. It’s some weird taboo in queer media and I honestly think it’s because of how common age gap relationships are in the queer community, but we’re not here to dissect that.

So going back to Mr. Keng’s interaction with Non, in episode five, six and seven. It’s clear that he zeros in on Non’s exceptionality, the only student to actually understand his question and Non was barely paying attention. Mr. Keng’s interest was piqued right then and there, and my first thought was that they were going to make him a total creep. Which they seemed to be leaning toward when he put special interest in Non, then in episode six we get Non breaking down and finally admitting to him what was going on and why he needed the money. Mr. Keng offering the money so readily also made it seem again that he was a creep, it was a clear grooming tactic. Making Non feel like he owed him something without Keng even having to say; you owe me.

You could say that Non was a willing participant in their first sexual encounter as he was the one who went in for the more passionate kiss, but again that is what grooming does. And while yes Non is sexually active, he’s 16/17 at the most, sleeping with Phee is completely different. Phee is older by less than a year considering he finished off 12th grade with the other boys after Non ‘disappeared’. Being able to consent to sex with an equal is completely different than ‘consenting’ to having sex with someone who should know that what they’re doing is not right!

Moving onto episode seven, there’s a new level to Keng, he’s working to bring down the illegal gambling ring with an undercover reporter. So he’s just using Non, right? He found out what Non was into and saw it as an opportunity to get names and information, so he’s a groomer and a manipulative liar. Great, send this fucker straight to hell!

What I found interesting though was that by the end of episode seven, we find him comforting Non about the video, Non sobbing in his arms and Keng reassures him that things will be okay. That… doesn’t seem like the reaction of a man who’s just found out that his entire career might be over, that he could very well face jail time. There was no blame, no anger directed at Non, just concern. And then Phee showed up, he attacked Keng, rather violently if the bruises on JJ’s back are anything to go by. Phee kept telling Keng to leave, to fuck off, to just go! He kept shoving him into chairs and walls, but Keng never once left. He stayed there, quietly, not trusting Phee to be alone with Non.

And after Phee broke up with Non, telling him to go die, Non has a full blown breakdown. He’s screaming, sobbing hysterically, hitting himself. What does Keng do? He gets down onto the floor and he grabs Non, stops him from hurting himself, shushes him, holds him, comforts him, rocks the sobbing teen in his arms. None of these things seem to be the action of a person who doesn’t care. Am I saying Mr. Keng is in the right? No! Absolutely not! The dude is a creep, he did terrible things and never should’ve done the things he did. But what I was hit with was that it seemed like Mr. Keng—in his own weird way—actually did genuinely care about Non and his wellbeing.

It was very odd to see, because for the previous two episodes there was a very clear set up of how you’re supposed to see him, how you’re supposed to view his interactions with Non. Then by the end of episode seven, he’s caring and concerned and refuses to leave Non in his moment of need even as Phee demands that he does. I think Keng genuinely liked Non, in his own weird highly illegal way. So it’ll be interesting to see who exactly kills him (my money is on Phee or Jin) and if he repents whatsoever or doubles down on his claim that he actually did like Non, as both a student but a lover.

#dff the series #dead friend forever #dff theory

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for not wanting to move back in with my family?

The lead up to this is a bit long, but I feel like the context is necessary. After my first year of college, my (then20, FTM) father (40s, M) was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and could not work anymore. He also could not be left to his own devices, so I had to take time off school and come home to watch him and my younger sibling (then 11NB) while my mother (40s F) would work. That sucked for multiple reasons, including being responsible for all the asshole bullshit he’s pulled (when I say asshole, I mean it. He used to fake - by his own admission - epileptic seizures to get out of doing the most minor chores or exercises recommended by his doctors), my mothers violent transphobia (to the point of driving me to a mental breakdown when I asked about starting HRT) and emotional abuse towards myself and my sib. She never believed my complaints about my father and was convinced I was being lazy and irresponsible with his care. In addition to that, they moved to this area after I started college, so I was in a completely unfamiliar (and not particularly queer friendly) place, socially isolated, and so on and so forth. This shit sucked. I was promised I’d be able to go back after one semester, but after a few months it has been made painfully clear to me that this is not an option. Then COVID happened, and next year my college was fully remote. This way I was able to complete my sophomore year online. I was finally released for junior year and have not come back home since with the exception of one short-term visit, when my mother went abroad to visit our extended family. (We’re immigrants.)

I graduated this year. When I started my job search, I was planning to stay in the area and applied to jobs accordingly, with the exception of one position advertised by my college. This one would be in a major city very close to my family, so I’d be able to live with them. I was idiot enough to mention that to my mother. The gig didn’t pan out, so I settled on staying where I am and continued to search for a job, a place to live, and so on. I secured a place to live recently and was again dumb enough to share that with my mother. (Yes, I have a pattern. I’m working on it. ) The next day, my sib contacts me and asks if I could come live with them. Sib got into a really good high school with a focus on a field of study they want to go into for a career and have a real knack for. It’s kinda far from where they live right now, but they found an apartment much closer to it. Rent is a lot higher than they can afford, though. My mother lost her job when she refused to get vaccinated nearly a year ago (she used to work in healthcare), and since then she hasn’t been officially employed. She’s been getting by with instacart and my father’s disability payments.

If I lived with them and found a job there, they’d definitely be able to afford rent. Moving there, while undesirable, is not out of the realm of possibility, and my mother has been a lot better about treating me like a person and not being transphobic. Not perfect, but better. They also would not be living with dad because mom is at the end of her rope with him and is looking into a nursing home his insurance would cover. I would also be saving up money by living with them, I’d definitely have reliable health insurance, a roof over my head and so on and so forth. My personal autonomy, personal space, and most likely mental health would be absolutely out the window. I’m still traumatized by these 2 years I spent with them. Not to mention nearly complete social isolation. I wouldn’t even be able to see my boyfriend properly, there would be about 8 hrs’ worth of a drive between us.

So. Will I be the asshole if I leave my family to struggle on their own? I already sacrificed a lot for their sake. I don’t know that I can keep doing that to myself.

What are these acronyms?

#aita #am i the asshole

[idolish7imagines]

How would Gaku, Tsunashi, Yuki, Momo, Yamato, and Mitsuki handle witnessing reader's abusive ex barging in trying to forcefully take them back? I imagine reader isn't an s/o to the boy(s) yet…but just someone that works as part of the company supporting the idol group. Maybe all this goes down back stage at one of their concerts? Reader's one of the staff and the idol just so happens to witness this going down backstage? And I don't necessarily mean just physically violent ex. Someone that's a bit too clinging/insistent, someone that had a history of emotional manipulation with the reader, someone that's overbearing and/or controlling and/or possessive works too. Sorry…kinda projecting here and fantasizing about one of these idol 'knights' stepping in and giving a clingy ex the what for ^^

Gaku, Momo, Yuki and Yamato handle witnessing reader's abusive ex

A\N: im sorry this took so long anon! this was definitely an interesting one to write

.::.

Yaotome Gaku

Gaku wants to punch your ex.

He's probably going to.

not yet though. He has to see how this plays out before doing something that might get his whole career put in jeopardy.

He's not even sure how this guy got back to the rooms that clearly say 'STAFF ONLY' and that only caused more concern.

The idol had already been talking to you and thanking you for your hard work when your ex opened the door and acted all too familiar with you, even trying to give you a hug while you grimaced, trying to fumble your way out of their grasp.

They proceeded to talk about how hard and long they've been trying to find you while you sit there with a less than impressed expression, not even nodding along to their rambling.

Eventually all the nonsensical talk came to a head when they said they were taking you back with them where you belong.

Before you could even open your mouth to respond to the sheer gall of such a statement, the silver haired idol beside you beat you to it

"They're not going anywhere with you." He says, not keeping in mind at all his image and that he should've probably said it in a more polite tone. "They're an adult, let them choose for themselves." Gaku asserts for you.

He could argue with your ex all night if he had to, constantly standing up for you and your freedom to do or be with whoever you want to.

"They're not yours." Gaku puts his foot down, before turning to you. "(Y/n), what do you want to do, do you want to leave and head out with me and everyone else, or be with them?" The question is presented, wanting to hear your true opinion lest he end up talking over or for you too much.

Your former partner makes an attempt at another pointless explanation and reason for you to go with them. Gaku tries his best not to glare too much.

Even if he weren't head over heels for you, he'd do this for you regardless. You're your own person after all.

Of course you didn't want to be with your ex anymore. Their toxicity was something you'd had enough of a long time ago.

With a hesitant expression, slowly becoming more determined, you turn back to Gaku.

"I want to go with you." You say.

The idol's expression becomes much softer towards you, even causing him to smile.

"Come on then." He dares to gently grab your hand, the two of you walking to meet back up with the rest of TRIGGER.

Momo

Momo was carefully weighing the options of what he could do in this situation as soon as he sees you tense up at a person that isn't wearing staff uniform and looks a little standoffish.

Upon listening further your ex uses some terms that implies you were in a romantic relationship with them. His heart almost hurts a little, especially since he himself was interested and about to start pursuing you. But seeing how you look, you clearly didn't feel the same as them, at least, not anymore.

So now he was cooking up some sort of fast plan where the both of you could leave this situation as quickly and painlessly as possible.

He could pretend he was drunk, but wasn't sure how efficiently he could pull that off..and it probably would creep you out. Other than that, he had one other option...

(Y/N)-CHAAAAN, MY LOOVEE~" Imaginary flower petals could practically be seen floating around him in a pink, romantic haze as he skipped down the hallway towards you.

You and your former partner's heads quickly whip toward the direction of the loud idol, confused, and honestly you couldn't handle anything else bad happening right now.

However, you feel yourself nearly tripping and knocked over by your friend who had thrown his weight onto you, his arms wrapped around your shoulders.

Both you and your ex blink at that.

"Found you! I was wondering where you went, darling!" Momo cheerfully proclaims, his cheek nearly brushing up against yours.

"..'darling'?" Your ex repeats with a mix of frustration and confusion.

"Momo-" You start, before watching him carefully wink at you before continuing to fawn over you. It took a moment for you to understand his intention.

"Come ooonn, we're going to be late to the afterparty at this rate, we have to go right now!" Momo tugs at your arm

"Ah...okay." You nod, and he puts a hand on the small of your back, turning you around. Your ex's eyebrow twitches at the contact.

Even though this was an act, he was definitely rubbing it in on purpose.

"Hey, I-" They start to protest.

"I'm sorry, me and (Y/N)-chan can't be late! Maybe you guys can text or call later? They just got a new phone number though."

You didn't have a new phone number, he was purposely misdirecting them.

They start to say something else, but its disregarded as you and Momo start to head out, a grin on his face, soon accompanied by a relieved sigh from the two of you in unison

Yuki

"You're a little bitch."

Depending on the person, either the statement itself, the fact it was coming from a top idol, or Yuki's unbothered expression while saying it could be more infuriating than the other.

"Wh..What did you just say to me you pretty boy punk!?" Your ex's fists clench, clearly about to escalate the situation.

At first, the idol wasn't even in the same room as you and your ex's current confrontation, but as he walked by the hall and overheard, he felt the need to involve himself, not liking their tone.

"If you're that hurt, go home and cry about it, at least have the decency to not come in public and berate your ex." Yuki says in an icy tone without a shred of mercy. "How can you expect them to take you back when you're being this embarrassing?" A rhetorical question.

"W-wait, Yuki!" You try to step in front of him before your former partner thinks about getting physical with him, resulting in an even bigger mess.

"Nono, they can hit me if they want, but it'd only prove my point." The composer only adds fuel to the fire, a less than savory habit of his. "I'm not scared of them."

Your ex lets out a low growl, getting closer with slow stomps.

"Stop! Please just leave, I don't want this!" You put your hands out in front of you, signaling them to cease.

"But (Y/N), are you really gonna let this guy get away with saying that?!" They turn to you with frustrated furrowed brows.

"I...its..i agree with him!" You blurt out, making their eyes widen, their posture becoming less hostile and more surprised.

Yuki on the other hand, entirely expected this. He extends a manicured hand out to you.

"Let's go, (y/n)."

Your lips purse, looking between him and your ex, before taking his hand.

You two ignore your ex, walking away.

"You won't regret making this decision, I promise." He assures you.

Nikaido Yamato

Yamato was heading backstage to personally invite you to the afterparty. Was it necessary since you'd likely already be there? Not really, but the other group members insisted since it was an easy way to start a conversation with you.

Once he rounded the corner though, he was greeted with the unpleasant sight of your ex with flowers, saying something about how they'll 'treat you better this time', while you looked pale enough that he wouldn't be surprised if you threw up any minute now.

Usually, (if it isn't one of his fellow group members he'd just mark it up as another thing that isn't his business and make his way out,

but A. he liked you

and B. he didn't like wherever this was going

so, against his better judgement, Yamato decides to walk up behind the two of you, a bit unintentionally awkward, but how else would he approach something like this?

"Y-Yamato!" You nearly gasp, as if this couldn't get anymore embarrassing already, you were cringing that now your friend was here to witness your ex's behavior.

"..excuse me, we were in the middle of something." Your ex isn't rude, but they aren't polite to Yamato either. To them, they were in the middle of fighting to stay together with you, and didn't appreciate being interrupted.

"Ah, don't mind me, I'm just waiting in here for something." He lies, putting his hands in his pockets.

Your ex squints, before continuing to make their case for why you should come back to them.

The attempts you make at explaining why you won't end up falling on deaf ears...well, not on Yamato's at least.

"Please (Y/N), I was immature back then, but im better now..could you just come back home with me and talk things out?" They border on begging.

Your breath hitches, not even knowing how to react anymore, before Yamato gets closer.

"Eh, (Y/N) has some stuff they need to get to first, the staff has been calling them for a while now." He rubs his neck, a little too nonchalantly for the situation.

You were a bit offended for a moment, as for one thing you had already done all your work, and that he was being so casual about this.

..And then you realized, he was acting.

"They...still aren't off work?" Your former partner asks with a frown.

"Entertainment industry is 24/7 work more often than not, trust me I know." The man sighs, shrugging. "Don't worry, you'll have plently of time to see (Y/n)..whenever their next off day is. Better to not come while they're working again or security will take care of you." He frames it as giving advice rather than a warning.

"Alright, lets go." A hand is tapped on your shoulder, him signaling you to follow.

Giving one last look to your ex, you turn and do so.

"...Yamato, where are we going?" You whisper.

"Staff Backdoor. That creep won't follow us there...At least not if theyre parked or walked here from there."

Once outside, You bow in thanks to your savior, apologizing for what happened.

He just looks at you with a small, understanding smile, patting your shoulder. "Its fine, not like it was your fault. If they come by again let one of us know, yeah?"

"Thank you..oh right, was there anything you needed from me since you came to see me?"

He nearly coughs. Asking you to the afterparty would still be harder than what he just did, but he'll suck it up.

#idolish7 #idolish7 x reader #ainana #idolish seven #idolish7 headcanons #i7 #yaotome gaku #yaotome gaku x reader #nikaido yamato #nikaido yamato x reader #yuki x reader #idolish7 yuki #yukito orikasa x reader #yukito orikasa #idolish7 momo #momose sunohara #momose sunohara x reader #momo x reader

[siren-sashimi]

Hemimetabolism [HC scenario; Marquis Vincent de Gramont x ballerina!reader]

Contents and warnings: female presenting reader, work place pressure (highly competitive work environment) , Reader has self loathing thoughts, instances of stalking, allusions to exploitation, power plays, intimidation, very long outline…

[Based on an anonymous prompt; HCs on their beginnings] Don't forget, you're working in the arts. Talent alone isn't going to save you a safe spot in life. Patronages in ballet aren't rare, you've to dance every part perfectly, smile at the sponsors, no finger shall be moved the wrong way, never badmouth anyone in your company, your mentor knows you dance your part perfectly yet dance it again and again and again and again to perfection, don't fall off the rails, don't show your exhaustion, don't let anyone hear your crying, perform always towards anyone in excellence.

♦ You know you're good, you wouldn't have been invited for a season to Rome. For nothing but the constant demand, constant scheming for the best part, pressure by patrons, by the artistic director, by the instructor, and by company members, be it for the pettiest reasons, leaves your self confidence raw and frail, tiptoeing the line between a the proverbial stiff upper lip and a breakdown. While everyone around you, including yourself doesn't show any of it.

In addition, patronages are the actual stepping stones for someone's career - someone might be influential enough against the director's will, maybe someone's the choreographer's old classmate . Most hope that whoever throws an eye on them isn't this unpleasant of a person, perhaps someone highty-tighty about arts but not about their protegée's body. And if... maybe they're not too violent, their touches not too unbearable.

♦ New play for the season: "Sylvia". Since you're new, you become a dryad. And the costume-department has some lovely ideas creating  dresses for each tree a dryad could be. Not overwhelming but you made it as part of well-regarded company, you have a visible part, you can work up and up each season. Still, only a dryad as a guest... You surely hadn't put it all in your performance? What could you've done more? Surely, there was something you missed, to focused on your own steps that you didn't lay your eyes on the actual  main characters, how well they master their technique… Maybe the excitement over the invitation into a renominated position had you blinded for everything else. You hadn't been attentive enough, you hadn't been good enough for another role.

♦All company members are asked to attend the season opening party (and of course, training next day starts at 8 am sharp!). An opportunity to garner the favours of sponsors and patrons of the theater, maybe gain some yourself. As ambitious as you feel, you hope a simple dryad will be too uninteresting to make an easy prey.

♦ Tough luck, some guy is extremely interested in picking wall flowers. He seems important enough that people talk to him, a quick chance for you To slip through the cracks. Yet he moves progressively closer to you through the crowd to the point he begins to end conversation with a smile that's straining more and more. Polite save distance isn't safe anymore. You begin to slowly but surely try to move towards the upper bathroom. Are these steps other guests who need to use the facility or...? In increasing panic, you rush past the door and run up even more stairs. Rushing down the dark hallway you almost collide into a large figure. He tells you that you shouldn't be here, why are even here?

♦ The place you planned to become your escape is now guarded by this tall men who seems ready to attack you at any wrong move. "Chidi!" an authoritative voice calls upon the man. The tall man steps away from you, only one step, his gaze still fixed on you. Next to him, behind the door of the balcony area of the building steps another tall man. His clothes are of finest quality as well as way too fancy even for an season opening event at classic arts.

Something in your distressed look, your eyes constantly twitching to the banister you can't see behind you, to check if the creep from downstairs is following you must've told the well-dressed man something. "Rather scared and lost. Leave her be." he tells the one called Chidi. "Um... I am sorry, I didn't want to interrupt." Whatever you could've interrupted anyway "I just wish to go upstairs." "To do what?" Chidi snides in. "I..." you look back "Just a rest, the party got quiet too crowded." Chidi looks unimpressed yet the other shrugs, and waves vaguely behind him. You're allowed to pass.

♦ It is only at the top at the stairwell of the 4th floor, you hear Chidi and the other man again, at least you recognize their voices. These voices arguing with the one of the down-stairs creep. But within minutes the minutes end - all you hear is a dull sound and a wail which quickly ends. What on earth happened? Should you go or not? That didn't sound good although... if that creep won. You retreat into the shadows, deeper into the hallway. At one point, no idea how much time passed, the night is getting too cold, you need at least some slight hours of sleep for the next day. Passing the hallway none, nothing is to be seen. The catering staff is cleaning up the buffet and decorations.

♦ Training starts, one of faunes is already rumoured to have gained himself a sugar daddy, if Orion falters, the faun might become the hunter soon. You are only relieved, your company will stay in their own circles. Even on a night out, you surely won't meet anyone who has any say or money in casting. No consequences, you're not asked to change position so whatever happened at the opening party, you were lucky this time. Only during last rehearsal before the day of first costume fit, your choreographer urges you to actual excellence, you will dance in front of one of the most esteemed patrons. They freed some of their time to pay an extra visit, so shine! A performance during which everyone is nervous, your choreographer's voice harder. Only in the distance, somewhere at the upper balcony all of you can only muster out the dark silhouettes of someone sitting in the chair, other people standing around them.

♦ Next day is first fitting day. Diana is clad in the palest silver, wearing a wreath of stars, on the center a sickle moon. All the dryads wearing bodies in the colour of the stem of their tree, yet the tights are appliqued with the ornaments of these trees, the headwears even have fake leaves. But when you ask for your costume, the seamstress is a bit at loss explaining that yours will need to wait. Here you are, all your fellow dancers transforming into mystic spirits and characters of old tales, whereas all your wear are your regular training attire, colourless, simple. Maybe you had made a big mistake at the party. A detrimental mistake even. ♦ Even the next day your mind is clouded. If these aren't thunder clouds wearing your head down. That is until the seamstress catches you before the changing room. You will be the spirit of a birch tree. Your costume is white except your skirt and sleeves are dyed black on the hems, white tights painting with black marks, gold and green leaves sewn on all over. You're the only dryad with a golden wreath. Maybe you shouldn't feel like a gleeful five year old. You're only a side character, a decorative dancer but the thought how magical you look… your movements feel much livelier. Even back in regular training attire… something magical blooms in you.

♦ This weird giddiness still lingers through all the rehearsals up to the premier. Your entire body is fluttering and floating like a birch's leave in the wind. As if someone saw you and figured your style would come out best in the character of a birch dryad. Dancing like this comes so easy to you, you almost forget that you're just a side character. Of course when you see Sylvia dance, it is as if her body was a petal in the wind, Diana's movement swift, effortless whereas even the lift of her little finger demands all attention on stage, you think that you maybe be a happy tree but in the end you are tree on stage.

♦ For the evening of the dress rehearsal the theater has good news: As little appetizer, the patreons of the theater organized a little meeting with champagne and snacks. They even somehow booked the Villa Borghese. All of your nerves are too tense to actually care much about the idea of party. And what if you meet that creep from last time? At least everyone would be lenient on you excusing yourself early, all of you would understand needing a rest. But when you arrive there, only the entrance area being lit for a get-together, dancers and instructors small talking in pleasantries, the man from last time was nowhere to be seen. In the evening's twilight, slowly drifting away from the crowd you finally have time to actually view some art in Rome, in peace, only far off voices, no crowd of tourists… Admiring the great Titian, and Caravaggio for yourself.

♦Of course, so many Bernini's, so, so many. One you know from previous art references of aestheticized pictures of the Internet. The beautiful Appollon hunting after the despairing Daphne. The physicality, Daphne's agony immediately understandable. Having the time and silence to study the statue you perhaps got you so lost in it, you only resurface after you become aware of another person's presence next to you.

♦ He stands perfectly still, hand in his left pocket. Perhaps that perfect poise and silent movements hid his presence for a while. Otherwise he's hard to overlook. Definitely taller than many men, an aura at ease as only someone untouchable, so powerful is (almost like Diana of stage), and that suit… "Oh, it is you…!" you remember loudly from the last party. Still studying Bernini's work, he lightly tilts his head, giving at best a small hum. Then he turns his head towards you. "So you remembered?" That comment tucks at the corners of your mouth. "You're not easy to forget, Signore. Your style alone…" No reaction from his side. Due the difference in  height he of course has to look down to you. Yet… perhaps it's just the natural form of his big eyes, the way eyes in lighter colours pronounce the pupil. It feels like being watched. You quickly try correct and impoliteness. After all he… "You saved me that night. That's hard to forget." "Hmm" he shifts ever so slightly "how so?" Carefully you eye him. "Perhaps I was a bit speculating but the last things I heard were your voices and-" that uncomfortable sound of a body hit, perhaps a cracked nose "he was gone." This man's nose looked intact. "Perhaps there's also thanks due to your… companion, the one in the grey suit." Whatever you said seems to amuse your saviour. He huff, his grin showing his teeth. "Well" he says "It's been a long time since I wasted fists on an cretin like him. It was worth it." What has been worth it? You tense. Perhaps you were too alerted by the nightmare idea of having to crawl at a patron's feet but suddenly you become aware of the man in front of you. Both of you are too far away to hear any other voice from the party. He was practically towering over you, hands large, strong enough to break a nose with one hit… His attire, his hair, his cologne reeked of wealth. Good grief, he was part of the group that could book out the Villa Borghese for a private event.

"Such philistines wouldn't even recognize art if it would scream at them. They only throw money at the idea of titillation. And I've to share my sparse time at the same meetings with these swines." In his monologue your breath became more even. Just a bit intimidating looking bohemian, wasn't he? Suddenly his eyes snap back at you. "Don't you think a thanks is appropriate to the one who saved your skin? I even sullied my hand hitting him" Don't flinch! you remain to yourself, doing your best to overhear your mind screaming at you to run. Have you ever had paid attention how broad his shoulders are? How even these so well cut suits betray a strong physique?  If you play any game you can only loose. "Thank you." you decide to reply. Simply, that's all. ♦ A smirk carves into his face. A silent prayer passes through your mind when you see this, a litany begins when he bows down to you. "No, no, that won't do." Large green eyes fixing on yours. Internally you check all the technique you've ingrained in yourself, breathing calm enough, posture not too tense - if only no fear creeps upwards your eyes.

Not too close, but close enough to smell his subtle perfume, refreshing, dark, like a forest, so elegant. "I would say you owe me some damn good performance. Your effort for mine, sounds like a fair exchange, wouldn't you say?".

His smile looks satisfied, less directed to you. He leaves you standing there, leaves you confused. Is your patron - with these words he is, right?- just a chivalrous peacock or a patient wolf?

♦ The premiere is met by roaring applause! The titular Sylvia isn't only loved by Amintas, the audiences adores her too. At the last step, all of you fauns, nymphs, Artemis herself, beholding Sylvia's happy end, all you can think how grandiose the first dancer was. At the thought how good you have to get to reach any glory of hers, your toes ache beyond the exhaustion of the evening.

♦ It's party time announcement! While the faun, lead by Sylvia's dancer are popping open their first champagne, the adrenaline rushing as much as the bubbles in the flutes. Maybe you would've celebrated too but after the curtain fell, tiredness struck heavy on you. You don't know why. You dance's impeccably but only as much as a dryad can… Did you do your best performance. And compared to the greatness of the lead dancers…

Trying to sneak away you bump into something heavy. Trying to figure out whatever this object is you recognize that it was the familiar frame of someone you already had bumped into. Chidi… hadn't that been his name? "Would you be so kind to accept the Marquis' invitation?" he tells you, ignoring you just trudged on his polished leather shoes. "Who…. You mean your…" in what relation did they even stand to each other? And what Marquis? "You mean the… sharply dressed companion of yours?"

"The Marquis yes. So what do you say to dinner?"

"Just dinner?" The way Chidi doesn't bat an eyelash nor moves any muscle makes you wonder if he ever danced too with his composure. Yet offers you a small kindness: "The dining place isn't exactly what I would call discreet. If you please, Miss, the Marquis isn't patient."

♦ With only the most flashy parts of your stage makeup hastily wiped off, and off-stage clothes which look drab and tired even against Chidi's impeccable grey uniform, you're escorted to a louder part of the inner city of Rome. The place is well packed for a Friday, definitely more quaint than chique. Chidi and you are greeted by a quiet yet friendly waiter, led to a room behind a curtain. In it, a door's open to a much more quiet backyard.

The Marquis, it is him, the man from the parties, is dressed in champagne white, more befititng a visit to the opera than this (albeit cozy) place. Leaned against the back of his chair, eyes following one of Rome's cats, balancing on the walls of the backyard. At Chidi's announcement he gives you polite smile.

♦ You're served fried artichokes. (Chidi is relegated to a table behind the curtain, presumably designated to dine on his own.) In spite of the tiredness seeping into your bones, the bewilderment of whatever goes in, the smell so rich, savoury, the sweet bitterness of the artichoke… At your host announcing: "Bon appetit, you worked for it." only your manners save you from wolfing it down. The melange of  and the smoky after taste, rich golden taste of oil, turning the bitterness sweet is nothing you've tasted before, a sensation so gladdening it washes over your thrumming nerves. Looking up, you see your host smiling, again. You can't read it. "It's good" you initiate the conversation "it really is. It was kind of you to invite me here. Thank you." "It's nothing chique yet I remember it from my first travel to Rome. Even in better establishments nothing comes close to this."

♦Surprisingly, the conversation flows easily. Your nebulous host introduces himself as Marquis Vincent de Gramont, he's from France (he's fine with English, if you want to drop the Italian you meticulously put together for this season). Although such mentions make you almost drop your fork, he easily smoothes from such grand revelations to talk about your play. Apparently he's a patron of the Opera in Rome, indeed he's very fond of ballet. Asks how you came to balett. Actually the conversation is so lovely, you almost forget your first meeting, his title. But after the dessert plates are taken away (Chestnut tartellette), he stands up and offers you his arm, it all comes back. "Walk with me." Hesitance from… precaution? Nervosity from the attention from such a vibrant man (and what all that could mean…)?

The pause has been too long to appear as courteous. Without looking into Monsieur de Gramont's eyes your threat your hands around his elbow, leaving the now empty restaurant, Chidi following you in some meters of distance. ♦ Outside, Roman night life is as vivid as it can be on a Weekend, although calm enough that you can be unbothered. Vincent walks comfortably whereas you… don't know where you're going. "Monsieur…!" you speak up out of a sudden before suspicion morphs into panicked fear "why…" The deep orange light of the street life cuts a sharp profile of the Marquis' face, even in the dark his eyes are clear enough about to flit… in the profile you see one eye slowly, almost lazily slide towards the direction of the tense figure on his arm. "What is it?" "Why are you doing… why are you so nice to me?" Now he pulls his arm out of your hold, stands up before you, looking down to you. So, so many people pass loudly talking, laughing, arguing over the cobbled streets, the two of you could as well stand in the silent. Next to you only the silent, immovable marble, Daphne's face contorted in metamorphosis and despair.

"Why can't I be nice to you?" "May I be frank?" "I doubt anything you say make me even quiver. But if you need, I'll permit it."

"None in a position such as yours…" (if there's anyone else who could ever be in a higher position, if there was anyone ever like this man, you just know it by the richness of his clothes, by the day he still moves as if he was invisible for those who shouldn't see him) "Any patronage, be it art for art's sake, isn't out benevolence. They demand at least a good piece of art in exchange. At least…" you stress "And you… well, see where you got us. What you wear, what you make possible. In all frankness, if your ever were to ever ask anything of me, there's no chance I could refuse. You probably know it by instinct. And I'm afraid your words make such a probability become fact." "Please don't take it as an accusation of your character, this world I move in works on unspoken rules." you add quickly. Have you gone too far? Probably he would only need to lift his pinkie of the left hand and you could forget even having a silent role in a local theater production.

♦ Indeed he huffs, shakes his head. "Well, I wasn't wrong about you. Indeed I want to bring you to a hotel room, if you would be so kind to follow me." Once again for this evening he offers you his arm. In your eyes it has the same outlines of a noose. By the unspoken rules of the world to literally tip toe in… you have to tie it around your neck. For a while you two (Chidi somewhere behind) walk in silence, your stomach churning. The food was too good to turn sour in your mouth. Your thoughts are racing. Sure, he's handsome, and could move heaven and earth with no effort, he reeks of money. But what would you need to do for him? Men this handsome and rich are the least suspected (if anything could ever reach such a man). For some patrons already having a dancer on their whim was an ideal board of powerplay… sex just one that gratified ego and sexual urges. Maybe a slither of hope is that the Marquis' this rich that you would be a quick past time. "You know the story of the nymph Echo?" His questions tears you out of the current of your racing thoughts.

♦ Quickly you roam through your mind. "Wasn't that the story with Narcissus?" "Indeed. And?" "Um… she… was cursed to repeat the last words that could be spoken to her. Narcissus wouldn't have her any way, he… I don't know if I remember it correctly, either he thought of her as stupid as she only repeated his words or he already was in love with his own reflection. "Do you know what happened to her." "I only know that he drowned himself." You two stepped into the hallway of a baroque hotel, only by passing you noticed a small plaque naming it "il Continentale". While recounting this story, the Marquis lead you up a spiral staircase. Why wouldn't he take an elevator? The far rings of elevators were to be heard in the lobby. "Echo", the Marquis continued "was so humiliated, she retreated into a cave, didn't eat, didn't drink, he bones turned to stone. But nymphs are, in a way, immortal. He voice remained. "The arm you held pulled you down a carpet laid out hallway. "You know the other way Echo died?" She would die once again? You could only shake our head. Room numbers, there were so few rooms, they passed into a blur. 21, 22… there, there it was a bight door. Even the pristine white paint couldn't elevate how heavy the wood must be. "The god Pan was in love with her, she didn't. In fury of her refusal of him he tore her apart, threw all he parts between the mountains. There they ghost around, still resounding from the rock faces. Now you two stood facing the door. No taste in mouth, no feeling in any of your usually so sharp limbs. Your palms felt under the rich material of your patron how hard the Marquis' arm muscles were. He has told you all this like he talked about the weather forecast. Hadn't looked at you but opened the door. You sprung to run the other way. In the hallway, a forecast shadow, in the middle of it all stood Chidi. "Come on in." the Marquis called you. "we don't have all night." If Echo's last remains was only her voice, you dearly, dearly wished it would be the thing that would be heard of you too. But in the end all there was left was memory, she's died violently anyway. ♦ The room was excessive. In the way Baroque is excessively luxurious, heavily, suffocating though. Like a cat finding quick comfort, the Marquis seated himself into an armchair of the room, facing you. His face hardly readable, although you would guess it was… relaxed? Unbothered? What should you do know. Chidi hasn't followed… "You know what's your problem?" Monsieur de Gramont asked you. You're still standing, close by the door. Over your silence he continues. "You're selling yourself short." Have you even offered yourself to him yet? "You don't know your worth yet, and lesser men, like that rancid trash who followed you… well, even he knows about your worth and wants to exploit it." "You don't?" It slips out quietly. Suddenly the Marquis' face drops, he jumps up, and struts over to quick like a leopard falling over it's prey. He does this again. Again he hulks over you, green eyes drilling into you, lighting up too brightly. The silent look itself is a command to your to respond whereas your body, your instinct screams to barge through this heavy oak-wood door somehow, somehow dash past Chidi, somewhere, anywhere away from this transfixing gaze. "Would you like me to?"

♦ His cologne is so clear, even in panic you notice how tasteful it his. You two are so close, the warmth of his breath brushes over your lips. It is almost too hot, it melts your frozen body as if someone threw boiling water on ice in winter. The paralysis cracks a little - enough for you to drop you gaze. ♦ A clack of shoes. Carefully you eye the Marquis who'd taken a step back. "There, you did it again." He shakes his head "You're probably clever enough to notice by know but I wouldn't need to waste any time or money on a dinner and a chat "You think that all this" a broad hand waves over the golden glittering, fresco overpainted room "is for fornication. Pardon me, my dear, but if for such a brachial purpose, I wouldn't need time to satisfy such needs." So why creep me out like this? You wanted to scream although there was this little observative, sharp part in you. This part in your picking up in clues, listening to the little bits dropped in conversations that could offer positions, roles, opportunities… Where was this conversation going. "My life is unpleasant enough. I would like to enjoy at least something beautiful. Both of us can agree that out exchange is created for mutual exchange. In simple terms: You will be granted my protection from any unsuited… let's call them supporters, and I demand your excellency. But" Vincent raises a finger "you have to deliver myself excellency. Understood."

Entirely flabbergasted you can only nod. "Excellent. So we have an agreement. If you would be so kind to not look like a deer in the headlights anymore." ♦  Through the confusion all your relief bursts through with all the fear Monsieur has indeed helped build up. And if you can judge by all the years of pressure induced in your training, he knew exactly what he said. Every single, every single damn word was cleverly laid out. "So that's all?! And what is this" grand gesture over this excess of a room "then?! Why tell me about the gruesome of murdered women-" "Echo" "starving or ripped to shreds, these stories are still scary."

As an answer there was this cryptic smile on his lips. The Marquis stepped forward, reach past you for the door handle. In the often so repeated gesture, his hand waved over an room with stucco at every corner, covered in gold leaf, walls painted with scenes of luscious forests, too tame, too bright to resemble any real forest, in-between  branches half-dressed characters, from myths your partially knew or believed to know, dancing, holding the other down, laughing, vases full of flowers smelling in their own beauty, a window open to the deep blue night. "This" Vincent says "this is a little thanks for your splendid work tonight. I choose the right tree-spirit for you, my dear dryad. A taste of my upcoming thanks. And the stories…" For a moment he might have looked at you, yet his thoughts were somewhere else "…just the coincidences what role you play, that I meet you at the statue of Daphne's. Romanticism is a blinding understanding of the world yet… I think if you give a thought about all these nymphs… I think you might draw an revealing thesis for yourself." With a nod he opens the door. "Good night, my dear. Breakfast is ordered for you. Recover well. I will see you on stage tomorrow evening."

Notes: Gosh, I really wanted the statue of Apollon and Daphne featured so re-wrote everything to take place in Rome, I don't even know if the Roman Ballet is this good that Reader develops complexes.

While writing Chidi interactions, I was also shortly inspired by the idea how reader is a protegée for Vincent purely for art for art's sake. Chidi has to watch the Marquis at all time, so naturally he has to accompany the Marquis at his leisure views as well. And Chidi falls for her. Could be cute, Chidi using the few minutes his boss doesn't inflict trouble on himself trying to be sweet for the reader, complimenting her, and wanting to learn more about classic ballet to talk to them a bit more. Make of that dark menacing guard dog pining, blushing and fumbling for words to start a conversation.

#Marquis de Gramont x reader #Lily note pad #long post

[ystrike1]

Only Hope - By Choseung (7/10)

Time travel is a hard concept to work with. It sounds easy and simple to understand on paper, but it's boring and the incoming twist here isn't enough. The art is wonderful. I like the two main characters, but the plot is sub-par. Sadly, that's the most important component.

The first three chapters are incredible. Eunhye is the unhappy daughter of a wealthy man. She's an adult with her own life. Her father hates her for unknown reasons, and her stepmother is a stereotypical jealous hag.

Her father is dying, and he still wants nothing to do with her. Eunhye has never had a normal family, and now she never will. Her own father doesn't want her to come to his funeral. Her husband, Dojin, gets hit by the evil stepmother character when he tries to pay his respects.

Eunhye defends her husband. She's not a spineless little girl. She lived in an abusive household, and now that she's out she has healthy boundaries. It was incredibly refreshing to see. It is sad that Eunhye will never have a relationship with her father, but we get to see how she became a strong adult in her introductory scene.

Dojin is a doctor. He's successful. It's implied that she is too. Their marriage is perfect. They get along great, and Dojin is very attractive on top of being a doctor. The beginning of their romance was like the first chapter of a novel.

Dojin seems too perfect.

Eunhye goes to their cabin. Dojin is late. She finds a basement room full of criminal things, and a horrible video. It's a man, begging for his life, before someone off screen sets him on fire. She knew nothing. Dojin made the secret basement without her knowledge. Then, fire burns their romantic cabin to the ground. Then, a masked man slashes Eunhye open. Eunhye grabs his pant leg and demands to know who he is, before she dies.

She fights until she can't move anymore.

I was hyped. Absolutely loved Eunhye as the main character at this point.

Eunhye wakes up. It's the one year anniversary of her mother's death. It's also the day she met Dojin. He's sweet and kind, and he helps her. Their romantic meeting is the same as before, but she's afraid. Dojin is somehow involved with her death. The evidence in the basement points to that. Especially the video, which proves that Dojin is somehow connected to gang related crime.

I think Dojin is a great potential villain. It kind of doesn't matter if he killed his wife. What does matter is his true self. Is Dojin a criminal? A serial killer? Does he enjoy his grim work? Why did he marry someone outside of his world? Was Eunhye just a paycheck? Did he put a ring on it to get cash? Is she a target? How does his career as a doctor fit into his daily life?

Fascinating questions. So many of them too. I expected Eunhye to start fake dating Dojin, who was clearly interested in her.

She doesn't.

Eunhye stalks Dojin, even though she knows he's dangerous. He catches her, which is a given because SHE already knows he's not a normal guy! Not normal guys notice when they're being tailed! Ugh. It gets worse. Within the first ten chapters Eunhye tells him, to his face, that she had a prophetic dream about him. One where he dies, and she wants to protect him, even though they are complete strangers in this timeline.

Eunhye KNOWS that telling him she knows the future is stupid. The idea is presented as a joke at first....but then she does it...and Dojin goes along with it. This plot direction kills alot of the tension.

Most of the plot becomes:

"I know what will happen today and I have to stop it."

Not:

"Did my husband kill me or cause my death with his shady business?"

Dojin has a sad past. His house was set on fire and his mother was killed maybe? He ended up in the hospital as a kid. He's a jaded and violent guy, but he's also a doctor with a good personality. We still don't know what parts of him are real.

Eunhye comforted him when he lost everything. This points towards the yandere route. Dojin can't remember her well, because he was traumatized, but it was definitely her. The timeline is confusing and not in a fun way. Dojin doesn't recognize Eunhye yet. We only get hints, but how did any of this kill Eunhye? It's interesting, but the fake dating route would have been a million times better. It's cute that Eunhye wants to trust her loving husband, but the plot is alot less thrilling...because most of the scenes are just Eunhye waiting for something interesting to happen.

#yandere #male yandere #yandere male #yandere boy #recommendations #recs #rec #recommended #webtoon #Only Hope

[yellowbluemoonshine]

Bnha 391 and General Small Comment;

Ok so i didnt like a lot of things with bnha lately for most of the things, especially how story deal with its villains. Yeah, it is not over but until now, i dont think its good. Story focus on power more than it focus on actually adressing the flaws of society author build up at first place.

- Deku hasnt speak to Shigaraki yet but until this point, the way he dealt with villains, his interaction with them isnt good enough. like, you cant change things by keep saying everthing black and white or saying there is hope. I think story didnt give enough  character development for Izuku to come that point so at least, i hope, Shiggy will do something about it.

- Todoroki family plot bad. It was always bad because of how much story focus on Endeavour’s bad written redemption arc, he literally choose everyone over Touya since beginning until the end, i hate how he casually hugs him and speak over him when Touya was talking. Guy kinda feels guilty, yeah, but he express that ‘guilt’ in a very selfish way that it drives me nuts. Literally your typical abuser. I cant believe of all people, Endeavour has to be the one who close to him, not Rei, not his siblings but him...And with other family members too. I think some people already talked about this, that main problem with Todoroki family is that they keep blaming him for speaking up and once again, if this is the final arc for Todo family, Fuyumi and Natsuo’s speech sucks.

With Shouto, i think the problem is that bnha is a story about saving people’s hearth, not psychically defeating them and as readers, we should witness that change between Shouto and Dabi, that beginning point (like ‘your power’ scene for Shouto) didnt happen yet. And i wonder, do anyone remember um fake heroes plot? Endeavour’s bad hero career with how violently he attacks towards criminal from Twice’s speech chapter or how he almost killed Koichi in vigilantes? Dabi’s speech? What is the point of all of these things, if its not gonna be adressed properly, especially between Dabi and Shouto since they are villain and hero. I know its not over but until now, it was bad. To be honest, only thing i am satisfied with Todo family plot is Rei and Touya interaction. It looks like the only one its completed for final arc. Because she literally choose Touya over millions to save him, no justification, no victim blaming, no anger, just a worried mother, calling her son’s name and tells that she is sorry, and thats it. She doesnt make whole speech and self pity, unlike Bakugou and Endeavour. See the difference. And if author wasnt so obsessed with Endeavour’s nonexistent redemption arc, i am sure that we would get more of Rei. She did what she could do best for Touya as civillian, ordinary person. This part of story is fine but others? Bad.

- Allmight and others too. I dont want to talk about every detail because you know the summary, flaws of society isnt adressed properly/at all and story focus on power dynamic and etc.

But for at least this chapter, i would like to say, i kinda like this one. Uraraka and Toga development, interaction. At first, Uraraka would brush off everything Toga said and does, which makes sense since she was from other side. And Toga would talk your typical villain but after that Toga crying scene, Uraraka seems to be able empathize with her than many other heroes ever could for villains. The way she just accepted that she was wrong about her, that she changed her mind, she also knows that she is in pain and she says sorry, she is not angry, she is not rejecting her, she tells her that she found her. I mean, look at her face when she speaks to her. Like, great start, Uraraka. I think there are still many issues with story and how fast everything happens but i really like this one. It feels like an actually hero speech who geniuely wants to empathize with villain, completely stranger, just a girl who is like her. Unlike before, she doesnt talk like a robot with ‘you did commit crime so everything happens to you, you deserve it’ type of attitude. No. This time Uraraka is different.

At least for this chapter, for now, Uraraka Ochaco is rising.

Edit; I made it Clear that i write this based on my personal opinion. Literally, every second of this post is "i think". Certain people use this to insult and harass me. It just shows what kind of people they are. If you disagree, make your own post without mentioning/making me involve in any way. Of course, if you want to debate about series with respect, i dont mind. I dont think being kind is too hard.

#bnha 391 #mha 391 #bnha analysis #mha meta #bnha criticism #writing criticism #uraraka ochaco #toga himiko #midoriya izuku #twice #dabi #todoroki rei #todoroki shouto #todoroki fuyumi #todoroki natsuo #todoroki enji #endeavour #endeavor #tw abuse #todoroki touya

[butmakeitgayblog]

Okay so I tried watching TLFOAH and throughout the first episode I got this really crappy vibe (not from the performances) and it didn't match with the book. At all. I watched through to the end and walked away for a bit. It it hit me what the problem was. Male director. This series is not really from the point of view of any one woman or her experiences or her pain. It took the apologetic parts of the novel and centered them by making the suffering of the women especially Alice seem incidental. Nobody's fault. Generational trauma. Repetative. I know not everyone will share that opinion but the fact that they put a totally unnecessary sex scene in (none of it from Alice's point of view she's an object) nullified the whole story for me. Alice is a pretty object through the whole thing. She's an object to her grandmother. She's an object to the men around her. She's an object to herself. The series doesn't reckon with any of that, it just gives a patent "happy" ending. This really seems to be the trajectory of ADC's career too. Pretty object, patented storytelling. This story really could have benefited from a woman director who gets it what a shame.

I tell ya, I read this about 4 times, each time myself walking away for a but to kind of think it over, and I'm still just not coming up with the same conclusions you are. First and foremost, that line about her career? Totally unnecessary. It was tasteless, and I'm not sure if it was just rage bait or some personal bone you have to pick with women being unapologetically attractive, but frankly you can leave that shit at the door because I'm not gonna entertain it. She's an actress. Actresses by and large get paid to be pretty. If you don't like that, fair enough, but that's something you need to take up with Hollywood casting, not actresses trying to make a living. She's going to take the roles she likes (such as this one, which also happens to be the best role of hers to date), but also the ones she gets cast in. It's not like every actress has the luxury of turning down jobs no matter what your personal preferences are. You talk about being reductive and objectification in the rest of your message, yet really treaded the line on some sexist/misogynist sounding bullshit right there. Be better. That said, I'm not flat out saying you are wrong in regards to this show, but I don't think I got that impression of it at all.

I mean, it was stated from the start that the show is about generational trauma. It's about how victims of abuse can end up falling into and continuing cycles of abuse. I can't side by side compare to the book, but taking the show at face value, that's exactly what it did, so I'm not entirely sure what it is that you wanted from it.

Fundamentally, I'm not even sure what you're talking about the suffering being incidental and not painted as anyone's fault? It was. In her childhood years, it was Clem. In her adult years, it was June and Dylan. There was no ambiguity there. They were all shown as manipulative people who hurt those around them. June's motives may have been different, but she was still shown in a harsh light. In fact something I appreciated was that they didn't write Clem any sort of boo-hoo-woe-is-me sad boy backstory as a kind of way to write off or pseudo-excuse why he did what he did. He was just an abuser. He liked to hurt people, particularly the women in his life, plain and simple. He abused and took advantage of Candy, then June, then Agnes and his daughter, and there was no attempt to try and soften him to pull away from that fact.

Another thing that I appreciated was the fact that they didn't focus the show on the abuse itself, but rather the damage that's left it's in its wake, and the healing process that needs to be done. I don't think that approach lends itself to rendering the trauma itself incidental, but rather it shifts the focus from the violent acts themselves and more toward the victims left to pick up the pieces and move on with their lives. Too often in these cases people get so caught up in the story of the abuser and the whys and the whats and the white noise that comes with those high octane emotions. But the reality is that those scars last long after the dust has settled, and unfortunately by then usually nobody's really paying attention to the victims anymore because it all becomes about the sensationalism of the violence and the abuser. (*Cough* D3pp and Heard *cough* Tory and Meg *cough*)

That's what I think, in part, this show was trying to portray.

Now, switching gears here, while I had my own issues with the sex scene, I do somewhat have to push back on what you're saying here because while I could've lived without it, I do see what it was saying. I don't think Alice was being used as just a visual sexual object, but rather it was giving insight into where she was emotionally. Only, what? Days prior? A week or two at most? She had found out the man she loved - her childhood best friend mind you - had fallen in love with someone else. And that's after months of thinking he'd just left her behind, only to find out it was her own grandmother who had betrayed her and sent him away "for her own good". The girl was emotionally flailing and desperately searching for some sort of connection. She was desperate to find solace and comfort and thus, glommed on to whoever made her feel something that wasn't pain and betrayal.

That's a very understandable human emotion given the situation.

Enter Dylan, shithead extraordinaire, who she immediately thinks is hot. They have an instant attraction and he pursues her just as hard as she pursues him, and in the unstable emotional space she was in, it's entirely understandable that she'd latch on to someone like him. He makes her feel wanted and desirable, he's a fresh start and a way to leave behind her past. It would be so easy to fall into someone like him when you're already looking for a place to land to begin with.

However, really look at that sex scene.

Really evaluate it.

She's not even looking at him.

She's not holding him close or wrapping her legs around him, there's no prolonged eye contact or heavy kissing. Nothing that speaks of actual intimacy. She's disconnected from him and the moment. To me that is Alice's point of view.

You may take that as her being portrayed as just a sex object, but in my opinion it spoke volumes about what was actually going on with her internally, even if she herself was not entirely aware of it (although tbh I think she was.) Even the upside down camera shot leaves the viewer feeling off kilter, almost as though it's mirroring just how off balance and desperate she is, right along with how everything between them was from the start.

I don't think it's fair to reduce Alice down to just an object because at no time did I get that impression of her at at all. She is young woman who has had everything in her life ripped away from her over and over again. She's not stupid, just unsure of exactly who she is. She thinks she's a murderer, she thinks everyone who has ever loved her either hurt her, left her, or betrayed her. But even through that, she's cunning, and clever, she thinks on her feet and has a will to keep going. Just because she makes some bad decisions, that doesn't negate all those character traits.

And again, they don't soften Dylan as a character. I've actually had A Lot of conversations about the portrayal of Dylan and I think I've landed somewhere around: I didn't need to know much more about him. Would I have liked to maybe see more of the building blocks of their relationship? Yes. But in the same breath I think that might've only given them space to try and paint him in a more forgivable light when that did not need to happen. Because in the end this story isn't about the abusers. It's about the women who have to escape them. It's about the quiet after the storm and what they do to pick up the pieces. And I liked that they didn't try and make these women, Alice included, into these fake af perfect renditions of what we think victims should look or act like. Sometimes they're messy, sometimes they make bad choices, sometimes they're strong and resilient fighters who never turn back. Sometimes they do. One is not more worthy of sympathy or safety over another. They make their own choices and they're still allowed to be humans who are imperfect and none of that somehow diminishes what it is they go through even after the abuse is over.

And honestly I'm not sure of you and I watched the same finale. The whole point of June's letters and the Flowers burning down her statue that Clem made was about Alice and June and all the other women taking back their power and their stories from those who hurt them. It was point blank saying that not only is this June giving Alice back that power she had so mistakenly taken away as a family member who loved her and thought she was doing best but had gotten it so so wrong, but also it was her passing the torch on to Alice. Giving her the ability to literally burn Clem and Dylan, even June herself if Alice so chooses, out of her life and start over from the ashes (the Phoenix metaphor from the very beginning.) To start writing her own story.

I don't actually see that as a happy ending per se, but more a hopeful one. So very few times in life are we given the chance to wrap up our traumas and wounds in a pretty bow and have everything feel perfectly resolved. More often than not the people who hurt us don't ever have to answer for it. More often than not the worst people in this world don't suffer any sort of repercussions for their actions or are made to pay a price. What usually happens is we're left with the scars and the frayed edges of what we went through, and we do our best just to keep going, trying to make peace with it through the pain and injustice. I feel like that was a much more realistic - albiet whimsical for narrative purposes - ending than a lot of other options that I'm sure got tossed around the writer's room.

Now all that being said, yeah I think it would've been interesting to see a woman's directorial take on it. I'm not sure the changes they would've made but for the sake of it, it would've been interesting. Knowing what's been said though, I feel like this director cared a lot about the story as it was, not just what he wanted it to be, and added elements that I loved that weren't in the original script (such as the ending fire that tied up all the symbolism.) But also considering the author herself was hands-on through the entire process and the fact that the showrunner and producer was a woman (actually there were 6 women executive producers on this as well 3 women screenwritersand 2 women editors) worked closely with Holly, I think what got into the show was more or less what the author wanted. I don't think the director skewed what the overall message was, at least not in the author's eyes it seems. So while I may read the book down the line and adjust my views accordingly, for now I'm going to trust that Holly Ringland and Sarah Lambert had a very steady hand on the reins of this thing.

#anon #i still love Lexa the most tho don't come for me 😔 #anon I'm sorry if the beginning part sounded aggressive I've just gotten too many damn bashing comments lately and it's just #I'm just tired of it #so of that's not really what you were aiming for fair and sorry I pushed back that hard #*I'm sorry not and sorry

[gleamingtempest]

Arturo Giles & Levi Fontana - Narrative Foil Trait Compilation #7

How does this series work?

This is my narrative foil disection series for Danganronpa Despair Time based on my post Danganronpa: Depsair Time foils theory. The presented theory is that the CH1 recap shows off all narrative foils in DR:DT based on how the pairings in said recap video are paired. This series will go through all 8(?) of these foil pairings and disect the dichotomy present in them in a more in depth manner. I will do this primarily by comparing and contrasting Backstory, Motive, Flaws & Character Arc. (Credit to Barbieronpa for that compliation of concepts.) All of these posts will contain heavy spoilers and will be updated as the series goes on and more information on the characters is presented. If you are interested in the those updates please return to each of these posts after the end of an episode batch. This will only look at presented content within the series;outside of the foil theory itself it will not take into account theories & speculation.

Backstory

Arturo: -> Left family to pursue career. Had a shy younger sister named Felicity. -> Felicity took her own life at some point after he left. Levi: -> Was disowned for family wherein he had at least 2 other brothers & two parents. -> Levi says that this family was a 'bad influence' on him. -> Levi is 'a very different person' than he used to be -> Levi has only taken up his personal stylist career recently. Compare/Contrast: -> Both seem to be on bad terms with family -> Both chose to pursue cosmetic talents

Personality

Arturo: -> Haughty -> Obsessive -> Callous -> Vain Levi: -> Humble -> Apathetic -> Helpful -> Earnest

Motive

Arturo: -> Arturo is motivated by a desire to 'serve beautiful people'. He dedicates himself to celebrities and actors who he considers 'truly beautiful'. -> Arturo wears a mask to 'avoid breathing the same air as the hideous people around him. -> Arturo is in some form of denial about his sister's death or his role in his sister's death;he feels extreme guilt for it. Levi: -> Levi is motivated by his desire to protect those around him. -> He works to prevent threats to the group, like when he watched over Ace because he started a fight with everyone he met, and is willing to put himself in harms way if it means protecting someone -> He actively wants to do what he can to help those around him and beats himself up when he makes Ace mad at him -> He has some underlying anger issues which have caused him to take drastic action -> He has a hard time understanding how to grieve on his own and just does what others do when he doesn't know what else to do;in his own words his own way of grieving is to not grieve at all. Compare/Contrast: -> Both seem unable to process or acknowledge their grief for two very different reasons. -> Both dedicate themselves to the lives of others. Arturo does this only for a select few while Levi does this for everyone who he believes he is obligated to help. -> Both have had some type of mishap with a family member/members in the past which they would rather not dwell on.

Flaws

Arturo: -> Arturo is actively malicious towards those he considers beneath him -> Arturo reacts violently when faced with his past -> Arturo actively ignores and rejects direct critique Levi: -> Levi passively accepts abuse he receives without processing his personal feelings on it until those feelings blow up in negative ways -> Levi doesn't have enough regard for his own wellbeing -> Levi doesn't share his grievances with others/Levi doesn't consider himself an equal to those around him Compare/Contrast: -> Both Levi and Arturo consider themselves a servant to something else. This causes Arturo to act haughty and arrogant while for Levi it maeks him humble and passive. -> Neither seem to be able to process or acknowledge the suffering they go through internally due to their pasts. They ignore it until it ends up blowing up in their face in ways which hurt them more.

Narrative Arc

Arturo: -> Arturo starts off the story completely turned off from all of the cast, seeing himself as better than all of them. -> Veronica attaches herself to Arturo, forcing him to interact with another member of the cast instead of completely isolating. -> Arturo becomes obsessed with J after learning that she is part of the Rosales family. He stalks and harasses her without any regard for her own boundaries. -> Arturo threatens physical harm and death upon Eden after she respectfully asks whether or not he would like to share his secret because it forced him to content with his own buried past. -> Arturo is now regarded as a villain by all the group and his only vocal ally is the same person who forcibly attached themself to him earlier, this time causing him to fall even deeper into isolation. Levi: -> Levi starts off the story by trying to protect the group through physical violence and attacking MonoTV, immediately resulting in bodily harm on himself, which he immediately dismisses. -> Levi is tended to by Arturo in the infimary and enters a relationship with Ace where he makes Ace feel safe while Ace gives Levi something to protect. This is an unhealthy one in which neither respects the boundaries of the other. -> Levi fails to acknowledge that this is unhealthy and it ends up blowing up in his face during the trial when he snaps at Ace, severing their already shakey bond. -> Levi starts off chapter 2 feeling like 'a bad person' and confides in Eden about his struggles with this relationship. Eden affirms that Levi already is a good person and he feels encouraged to continue pursuing his 'relationship' with Ace. -> Ace completely rejects this pursuit, continuosly, until he comes to a boiling point of his own where he was almost murdered and completely disavowed any potential aid he could ever receive from Levi. -> This brings Levi to his lowpoint where he feels it is pointless for him to continue trying at all. -> Levi tells Eden during the trial that he will 'protect her from whoever is threatening her' (Arturo). Compare/Contrast: -> Arturo becomes the villain of the cast while Levi becomes the 'hero'. -> Arturo is constantly acting selfishly and in his own interest while Levi acts 'selflessly' for others. -> Levi and Arturo are both entered into a non-mutually respectful relationship with another participant which comes to a boiling point during chapter 2.

#danganronpa despair time #drdt #drdt spoilers #levi fontana #arturo giles #drdt foils #narrative foils

[suchine-toki]

Thoughts about Katsura

Katsura is an amazing character that could’ve been even more amazing. He was always a chaotic presence in the daily life of the series, not for nothing his blood type is AB (according to him). But he has other facets. One aspect to highlight is the dichotomy of his character. He’s serious in nature but is so eccentric that he ends up being one of the funniest characters in Gintama. He’s very smart and a complete idiot at the same time. He can be extreme and measured. He’s a revolutionary.

I remember thinking that it was selfish of him to want to force Gintoki back into the Jouishishi. And he in a way he is. But then I realized that he’s probably just lonely. He lost his parental figures several times. His biological parents, his adoptive parents, his grandmother, his sensei…

That’s another matter. The relationship between Zura and Shouyou is usually not considered, other than Zura (apparently) imitating his appearance. I think this is one of the two most important aspects of his character that should’ve been explored more. At the end of the series, they’d a brief encounter, although it wasn't even in person, in which Shouyou called him his prodigy student. While it's an important acknowledgment, it's striking that this type of bond hasn't been shown before and that Shouyou never calls him by his name.

The series puts much more emphasis on Gintoki and Takasugi's feelings towards his sensei. In fact, the main reason they were fighting the war was to save Shouyou. However, while it's acknowledged that Zura was there for that reason as well, it wasn't the only one. He was more idealistic, and his goal was beyond rescue. He seeks political change in his country. Although the historical component of the series was never very developed, it presented enough elements to create a comprehensible story for the characters.

It’s here that I must mention another important aspect of his character that should’ve been explored further: his political career. In the time skip Zura is shown as prime minister. However, this gets involved with Utsuro's plot, missing the character’s initial goal. Certainly, one could argue that he wasn’t seeking a political career and that it’s okay to step aside once the changes have been set in motion. But there’re a couple of things to consider.

Although Zura starts out as an extremist, part of his development is that he realizes that taking a violent path can hurt people he cares about, like Ikumatsu. This opens the way for moderation, and pursuing change through institutionalized political avenues makes sense for his character. The other point has to do with the fact that it’s absurd to step aside when social changes have not yet taken hold because because they’ll most likely be reversed.

This is why I feel that Katsura's character is great, but it could’ve been better if his bond with Shouyou had been explored more and if at the end of the series he had been allowed to grow. To become a masked vigilante on the run is to end pretty much the same way he started, without much sense.

#Gintama #Katsura Kotarou #Happy Birthday! #I can write #Thoughts about #my post #I also want to refer briefly to how much he loves his friends #especially Gintoki #And it’s mutual even if Gin doesn't show it lol #As well as how much he esteems Shinpachi and Kagura #He was quite quick to integrate into the Yorozuya family dynamics #bc deep down it’s something he yearns for (besides the dawn of Japan) #Another reason why he should’ve ended up with Ikumatsu orz #Oh and more ponytail!Zura ofc

[yanderes-galore]

Could I request concept for Blitz (Rainbow 6 Siege) please?

Sure! Had to do some lore research, hope I have a decent grasp on his character- I had issues ending it so my bad, he wasn't a very intense yandere so I hope this is good!

If you have ideas I'd like to hear them to get better.

Yandere! Elias "Blitz" Kötz Concept

Pairing: Romantic/Platonic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Overprotective behavior, Paranoia, PTSD implied, Suffocating behavior, Self-worth issues.

Elias is an operator who's physically and academically adept.

Although he has been through a lot in his career, he uses humor to disarm stressful situations.

He prioritizes the safety of others over himself and turns down praise.

Despite what his operations put him through, he is quite resilient and goofy.

This does not mean he doesn't take his job seriously, he is very serious when it comes to keeping his team safe.

How he'd be towards his darling is honestly not that bad.

Elias is Protective, Obsessive, and Charming around his darling for the most part.

It's hard to give him any intense traits due to his persona.

Most of his darker behavior comes from the fear of you being hurt rather than jealousy.

He hides most of his stranger behavior with that lighthearted persona of his.

Elias is very well built, so he could cause damage if he wished.

Such as catching up with you if you try to avoid him, mostly-

He rarely removes that helmet, but since you've met him when joining Rainbow, you'll catch him with it off.

His joking personality makes him so pleasant to be around.

Admittedly, Elias likes your smile.

If you've been through horrors of your own, you hide it well.

Elias feels that smile should be treasured, not tainted by the horrors he's seen on the job.

Which may be another reason he's so protective of you.

Elias has a very damaging mentality when it comes to you.

He'd sacrifice himself in missions for you just to keep you healthy.

Happy, too... his jolly persona is a coping mechanisim while yours feels so genuine.

Elias does get genuine joy when he makes you happy.

When not on missions, he likes to flag you over to chat.

He does want to form something close with you, yet is scared at the same time.

Interacting with you makes him more and more attached.

Which also makes him more paranoid of losing you.

Other operators notice Elias being odd around you.

He's goofy as ever, but he is never seen without you.

With you and his team, he's his usual self.

Without you, he feels himself panic again.

He isn't violent to his teammates, he cares for them too.

He isn't a very destructive or jealous yandere.

Even his jealousy is vented in his jokes.

Like telling others to not be so touchy with you in a playful manner.

He hides his behavior for a long time.

As his paranoia builds, however, it leaks out.

You're tracked by him and he blabbers about your safety.

Even on missions, you're shoved behind him at all times.

He is obsessive about you and keeping you in the best condition.

Elias cares for you a ton.

Best friend or lover, he adores you and feels he should be your shield.

He wants to stick by you always, just to see your smile...

He won't stop keeping you safe, there's no need to fight him on it.

#yandere rainbow six siege #yandere blitz #yandere elias kotz

[themattress]

Some other interesting tidbits from Satoshi Yamamoto’s Pokspe Recollection Tweets:

- The FireRed/LeafGreen Chapter was when Yamamoto feels he fully came into his own as an artist on the manga and not just Mato’s successor, as he was actually allowed to redesign characters such as Red, Blue and Green in his own style rather than merely imitating hers. 

- Mewtwo Returns inspired many elements of the FireRed/LeafGreen Chapter such as Mewtwo’s characterization, Giovanni’s characterization, and the Team Rocket helicarrier. 

- Yamamoto grew very emotional about Green and Silver’s arcs, and to this day wondered if the dialogue he gave Blue to say to Silver concerning the circumstances of his parentage was sufficient enough to do justice to a complicated situation that many real kids share.

- Emerald’s character design was deliberately bad, since Yamamoto couldn’t bear the thought of putting real effort into designing an OC protagonist only for readers to criticize the design, so he pre-emptively made a design that he knew damn well was impossible not to criticize.

- Some of the angriest reader reactions ever came after the first round of the Emerald Chapter was released: “Now the main character shoots Pokemon to death with a gun!!!”

- The Diamond/Pearl Chapter is very close to Yamamoto’s heart since it was the first time he contributed with the story-making process alongside Kusaka and editors, and he really enjoys the way the main trio and their dynamic was developed. He notes that he isn’t a big fan of romance as a driving force in kids’ adventure stories, so having a pair of boys traveling alongside a girl while neither of them hold romantic interest in her was refreshing for him.

- Like with Emerald’s design, if you found Dia and Pearl’s comedy routines to be unfunny, that’s because it was intentional. Kusaka and Yamamoto wanted to express how completely out of their depth the two boys were, pursuing a career goal they lacked any real talent in.

- At first, the Diamond/Pearl Chapter received negative responses from readers who thought it was too silly, cutesy and kiddy by this manga’s standards. Again, this was an intentional creative choice since Kusaka and Yamamoto knew how darker and more perilous the arc would become later on. Once that transition happened, readers’ opinions naturally changed. 

- Mars’ depiction in the manga was conceived as “emotionally retarded” - her emotions and her rational mind don’t connect, which is why she doesn’t understand why something that’s supposed to be funny is funny or why doing hurtful things that she finds entertaining is morally wrong. To convey this, the irises of her eyes are always centered and don’t move.

- Cyrus is Yamamoto’s favorite villain, being drawn mostly to induce psychological anxiety in the reader which made him effectively threatening, but toward the end of the Diamond/Pearl Chapter drawn in a way that highlights his madness which came off as tragic as it was scary. Yamamoto says even before he got Cyrus’ backstory and resolution in Vol. 40 from Kusaka, he sensed a deep sorrow in him that made him feel for him and hope for him to find peace.

- Maybe it’s just hiatus-related Stockholm Syndrome at play, but Whitley of the B2/W2 Chapter became one of Yamamoto’s favorite characters. He notes that he always took extra special care when drawing her, and that he’d like for her to make reappearances in the future (one of which has already come to pass in the X/Y Chapter’s volume-exclusive epilogue).

- The Team Flare Grunt who says “there are some things money can’t buy, but even more things that money can buy you your way out of” is quoting a real person. In high school, one of Yamamoto’s sempais caustically said this in response to the financial difficulties an underclassman was having, and for some reason or other the line stuck with Yamamoto.

- Lastly, Yamamoto has made note that child abuse by parents appears to be the line in the sand for Viz when it comes to the Western releases of the manga, as so much shockingly violent and even bloody moments are retained while moments like Crystal’s mother slapping her or Norman punching Ruby are edited out (Ghetsis’ murder attempt toward N is an exception, since N is hardly a child and as Ghetsis screams at him: “I am not your father!”)

#Pokemon #Pokemon Adventures #Satoshi Yamamoto #Analysis #Confirmation

[charleslebatman]

https://twitter.com/f1tati/status/1668264929781055489?t=kR_VJGjQjb5RQlt7wAhqaQ&s=19

This one and comment below.

"it was not unusual that, in the face of a failure by Max, Papa Jos locked him in the van to beat him up. As has already been said: everyone knew and nobody said anything"

We can't be sure it's 100% true, but it's a terrible thought. I don't know if we even should talk about it, if it's respectful towards Max.

I hate when people say he's champion because of his father. Bullshit.

It’s a very sensitive topic. I’ve an all opinion about this. Max isn’t becoming the champion he’s because of this father. Clearly.

However, we can’t just erased either the fact that without his father he wouldn’t started karting and becoming a driver. I do think it’s unfair too, to say Jos obligated Max to be in karting.

For me it’s wrong, in an old interview Jos had said he wasn't up for it that his child started a motorsport career. It’s Max who decided to try this and saw, like a child, what it can happened and if it was fun.

At first, Jos wasn’t in a mind to make Max a F1 champion. However, Jos is toxic person and when he saw the talent of his son, his violent and toxic deviances must have taken over. It must be here, that instead of becoming Max's father who supports him in a sport, he became a coach and a father who was going to fulfil his unfulfilled dreams. And unfortunately in the worst possible way.

When Max talks about his father, it's still his father. It's hard for him to understand how unhealthy he could have been. He imagines that he owes him something, because he financed him, pushed him to limits that a child should never have to go to. And in the end, instead of telling himself that it was his talent that got him here. It was his father.

I think in his mind, he puts his father first in his success and then his talent. His father has been glued to him all his life, throughout his career. It's impossible for him to say that it's only his talent that got him here. Which I find extremely sad.

I think that despite what Max says, he never doubts. He underestimates himself a lot on his journey. It's always the car that's good, him in some ways, his father that got him here. But when he talks about his talent, it's as if it were, I don't know, external to him. As if he'd been persuaded to say that. I think Max has a lot more doubts than you might think.

#f1 #max verstappen

[frostise]

🐾🙀😻 --- Animal Themed Headcanon Prompts // 🐲 ---- Is your muse hot-headed? Do they have a short-temper? If so, what are some signs that they're getting to the boiling point.

𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐒   ┇   accepting ♡

louise would normally react to her environment and the people she's accompanied with first before her emotions are decided. if it's a hostile setting like arkham arkham, then she'll turn paranoid because it's an unpredictable environment. frost has experienced many stress inducing situations in her career (including the near death experiences) and is prepared for the worst outcomes because she naturally has the ability to choose her brain over her heart and proceed any mission with an apathetic mindset.

if the mission ends up getting screwed because of another member, then it's guaranteed louise will never hesitate to put them in their place like she did with boomerang in the morgue scene when they were almost caught undercover because he abruptly knocked on her forehead in a bodybag she was pretending to be a dead body in. now that petty action could've potentially put their mission in jeopardy. they never got along in canon and he deliberately chose to annoy her at the worst time possible. after they succeed in their infiltration, louise did give him a silent warning to apologise by marching towards him while mustering a pissed off expression. when none was given—she laid him out by kicking his nuts.

if she's enjoying the many comforts of one of her many penthouses and relaxing in the bathtub with scented candles, then she'll be a lot more serene and easy going compared to her usual hot headed self. i imagine it would put off some people who are used to seeing the "ice queen" persona more than her "chillax state" than anything else. there's no sufficient evidence killer frost was the type of person to go off the rails for no good reason unless someone jabs her buttons in the correct order about her loved ones. frost never cared for meaningless insults thrown her way from someone she considers beneath her boots. i mean, she may engage in the hostility in the heat of it. but at the end of the day? it's water under the bridge.

it'll be a lot harder to piss her off if she's too relaxed to even care in the moment. maybe she'll just sit there and allow her sadism to bask in your failed attempts to squander whatever it is you consider her trigger to be. there's been times her ice queen persona would just flat out dismiss you like you're nothing but a jester in her court. but if you do your research on her behaviour? you'll have a better chance at lighting up the fuse.

let's say you decided to pick on her trauma first. bring up firestorm, crystal frost or the lincoln family. it was public information. easy to access right? louise will immediately tense up at their names. she'll grow eerily still. there's just something unnatural in the way her mouth curls to into deep scowl and knuckles turning white from the intense pressure of her fists, yet remains silent and glares daggers at your direction. it's your first warning and you should heed it. but let's keep poking the bear. how about you insult crystal? her friend that died by the hands of the heroic firestorm and got away with it scott-free? now that's a shot fire away from making the killer dig up your grave. her eyes flash in fury and she's not exactly sure how she's going to kill you, but it doesn't matter because in the moment you'll be nothing but a shattered ice statue by the time she through with you.

in conclusion, kf will only act violently if provoked the right way. her mood is mostly centred around her environment or the people she's with. she can either kill, insult or ignore you depending on the situation.

#oculusxcaro #˗ˏˋ ༄ ──── 𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 〳 ❪ don't let the cold put you off ❫ #˗ˏˋ ༄ ──── 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐒 〳 ❪ violence creates and molds as well ❫ #she's decidedly hostile in canon! #she even says so #what a self aware queen 👑

[tc-doherty]

Hello TC! Worldbuilding Wednesday! Get questions!

Tell me about significant technological and magical developments in Silverwood! You offhandedly mentioned the magical tracking devices in your Hero Talk, this is me inviting you to talk about all these little technological details that add into and complicate the web of consequences you've woven! You mentioned a few individuals who were important because they had made such contributions, are there any others? What sort of circumstances lead to these developments and contributions?

Go wild.

@unclear-contributions

Hello, happy WBW and thank you! This is pretty long, again :3

Okay well I'll get to the tracking devices in a minute, the first most important magical development that has a major impact on the story goes back to the war and the humiliating defeat that I mentioned before. Because the Sanirrans knew that they didn't actually have a good chance of fighting against the Drezhein, Drezhein being generally stronger, faster, and hardier than humans, they came up with the brilliant idea of making magical super soldiers out of corpses.

And that's how they made Harketain. Everything works really great for a while until they found out that this spell doesn't last very long before Harketain began rapidly losing their sense of self and become increasingly violent towards anything and everything in their path and then they had no choice but to go to the Drezhein and offer to surrender if the Drezhein would be so kind as to hunt down and exterminate the rogue Harketain. Which they did.

Making Harketain is, as you might imagine, extremely illegal. But that doesn't really stop people who specifically move out of Sanirra to avoid the oversight of the Sanirran magical ethics committee, so Anthem Silverwood is in fact also a Harketain. No one is really sure how or why he managed to live as long as he did but it probably had to do with the fact that he was treated as a person and not a weapon so he developed a much stronger and more stable sense of self. But in the end he was still only a Harketain and Ithea's death shook him very badly, and he almost immediately began breaking down afterwards.

Where this becomes relevant is the fact that the mage who made Anthem made him to be his apprentice, and so Anthem was a mage and his career, such as it was, was as a magic researcher. He did a lot of research into Drezhein biology and their various weaknesses, which Ithea used to help her more easily kill her rivals (and also just to cause chaos on purpose because that's what she liked to do).

So, the tracking spell. The actual tracking spell itself is not particularly difficult, it's basically just blood magic, very ancient. However it's actually really difficult to get something that works on the Drezhein as a whole because their genetics are incredibly unstable and mutate rapidly (that's a different story). So while I don't know who actually came up with the collars that they wear - it was somebody in the Imperial Magician's Counsel - a lot of the research that they did that led to the development of these collars was based on Anthem's research on Drezhein biology, which they managed to get a hold of when Gavin cleared out the manor and sold a bunch of shit that he didn't care about. (If he had known that any of this research with in there, he probably would've burned it but he didn't bother looking).

So, the tracking collars. They allow the Sanirran government to keep an eye on which Drezhein are where, to make sure that they aren't gathering in large numbers and also keeping them away from the opposite gender as much as possible because they also want to stop them from reproducing. It allows them to tell if somebody tries to remove or mess with the collars, and also gives them the ability to punish offenders long distance.

You might wonder why the Drezhein allowed it to get to this point when they are, as previously mentioned, stronger and faster than humans, but the thing is that Drezhein are almost entirely incapable of working together. There are three things that they're known for which are, in no particular order, cruelty, hedonism, and treachery. If the government takes a bunch of young Drezhein away from their families and sticks them in arbitrary groups with no regard to bloodline or social status, it's pretty much complete chaos, nobody trusts anybody else and they cannot function together for group interests because they are not a group, to them. Naturally, the government knows this and does it on purpose.

Honestly just dividing them by gender is already a very arbitrary thing because Drezhein have no concept of biological sex or gender and their entire society is based on societal rank (not that there's an upper class and a lower class, but more of how dominant or submissive someone's position is in society, this is all really fascinating and I can talk about it some other time LMAO). The fact that it's a mix of Drezhein that are from Cylli, and raised speaking Denki and with traditional ideas, mixed with a bunch of Drezhein that were raised in Sanirra and speak Imperial Common and have Sanirran ideas doesn't help either.

Ro Silverwood doesn't live in Sanirra or in Tesara (which is where the Silverwoods are actually from), she moved to Norhtern Inua. But despite all of the things that were happening her granddaughter Rona absolutely insisted on attending school in Sanirra. Coming from Northern Inua, which has its own separate, much more positive history with the Drezhein, made her kind of a natural bridge between the two different sides. Drezhein from Cylli naturally will trust people from Northern Inua because they're allies, and because she has more human ideas, those from Samara can also understand and relate to her.

And because she started using her grandmother's name of Silverwood, they all knew exactly who she was and so they listened to her. And it was Ro, when Rona was allowed to go home on breaks, who took a look at the collars and was able to figure out how to dismantle them or mislead them without setting off the warnings. Which she did in order to help protect her granddaughter.

Of course Ro had partially learned magic from her father, but she was pretty young when she ran away so she learned most of her magical skills in Northern Inua which has a different system and allowed her a different way of looking at the magic that was on the collars. Rona took that knowledge back and while she doesn't have any magical abilities, some of the young Drezhein at these boarding schools do, and so they begin fucking with the collars en masse. This is what gives them the freedom to gather together in groups and actually formulate a plan to revolt against the government.

And then Gavin, who adores his baby sister, and therefore is willing to help out Rona, uses his money and connections to supply the revolution and is why they're able to actually get a hold of weapons and other things that they need.

It got away from me at the end, but it's all interconnected! Actually despite the fact that there is magic in the story, very few of the characters have magic and it's really not very much about magic! There are some other things I could talk about but just talking about the history of the tracking collars is complicated enough. Thanks for the ask, this was fun!!

#writeblr #writing #thanks!! #world building wednesday #Silverwood

[sleepy-achilles]

Funny that you describe Shawn and Bret as toxic in the 90s when they were actually friends for most of the 90s, as confirmed by both men. It was really only in late 96-early 97 that things really went to shit between them. Taker has also been very open about how much he hated Shawn until much later…much like Bret. So really the two relationships have a lot of similarities.

Oh no

I've upset a hartbreak fan.

I just said that's my personal point I take when writing them. You can't really compare hbtaker and hartbreak as what happened between bret and shawn was much more angry and violent. I have nothing against hartbreak, that's why I willingly, willingly btw I could of told that person no, wrote that sweet, sweet, fluff, fluff, filled fic.

Taker, just like most everyone back then, hated Shawn because of his dickish attitude. And they also made up a lot sooner than Shawn and bret did. Taker also goes on in many interviews to talk about how much love and respect he has for shawn and how he really cares about shawn. I haven't seen none of that from bret. 🤷‍♂️ I could be wrong. I don't search for it so.

I mean we are talking physical backstage, no camera fights. You can see a bald spot on shawns head from where bret pulled his hair out during one of these fights. We are talking screwjobs and bret saying some pretty homophobic things towards Shawn and implying shawn slept to get where he was. We are saying shawn publicly saying bret is having an affair.

Like. That's toxic if you ask me.

Bret even goes out of his way to call some of shawns legitment injuries fake on live TV and bascially call him a coward.

Taker did nothing in the public eye. He said in an interview, once they were friends btw, that he wouldn't piss on him if he was on fire. Both him and shawn talked about multiple times how taker hated Shawn because he was a cock and shawn basically says he doesn't blame him. Like I said, taker always says good things about shawn now. But even back than he respected shawn, he just didn't like him. He respected how hard he worked and how he worked.

You wanna talk about kayfabe, which is what I focus on, hartbreaks kayfabe relationship is a lot more toxic than hbtakers. Multiple times during shawn and takers careers before they ever went on to fight each other, taker and shawn would constantly come to each others aid and even tag team a few times. Bret and shawn had what, one tag team and I'm pretty sure it wasn't aired? Or they took it off air or something. I can't remember. But their kayfabe relationship has always been toxic. Hell I mean bret tried being nice to shawn once, helping him when marty was interfering and shawn basically bit his head off. Taker helped him when goldust and Paul Interfered and shawn wasn't angry about it at all.

I'm sorry to pop off but I will defend hbtaker with my life, lol. I'm just joking I'm not that kinda guy. It's just, when you focus on kayfabe you can see the relationships are different and even if you do look at the real world taker never did any of his negative shit public whilst bret? Bret had a fuckin field day.

I genuinely mean no harm by this. I'm cool with hartbreak existing. Each to their own. I even have my own hartbreak child oc. Like I'm not against them I just think they'd be toxic, which can happen. Soulmates can end up like that sometimes, trust me. I've proven I'm willing to push my view aside to write them positively. I have. Idk why this ask was necessary.

Also thank you to the love and support that hartbreak fic got btw. I didn't think people would like it as I don't write bret but apparently I did good. So thank you :)

Back to hbtaker fic writing I go. Byeeeee 👋 👋 👋

#wwe #shawn michaels #the undertaker #wwf #hbtaker #undertaker x shawn michaels #shawn x undertaker #bret hart #shawn x bret #shawn/bret #hartbreak #sorry hartbreak fans