#Anyone who has anything negative to say about this is gonna get personally shot in the head by me 👹

[ninja-knox-ur-sox-off]

Alright, I’ve been sitting on this for a while and I think i’ve managed to sort out my thoughts so it’s not just agonized internal screaming. Time to finally talk about Monkie Kid Season 5.

Quick Disclaimers before we get started: please keep in mind i’m probably gonna be a little negative here. I’m not going after the animators or the writers or anything of the sort, I just need to get this out and slapping it on my blog just makes sense so people have the option to ignore it. Yes, I’m still grateful we still have the show, yes I’m still happy we have the same VA’s, don’t come at me. I’m not gonna get too salty cause I’ve gotten most of that out methinks and too much salt is bad for ya health, but I still do wanna talk about it and I’m still gonna be at least a little salty. If you’re not interested in hearing anything negative about the future of season five please don’t feel obligated to read. And please DO NOT take this as an invitation to bash on the new studio or anyone else in the replies, I really don’t wanna see that, go make your own post if you want to do that. I’m going to keep it under the cut so it’s easy to scroll past.

Welp, if you’re here to read, buckle up and here we go!

To start off, let's get the big personal bias thing out of the way: I strongly dislike puppet animation.

I say ‘strongly dislike’ and not hate because, while I hate most puppet animation, there is Bluey which is the best puppet animation can offer. I didn’t even know it was puppet animation for a while because of how beautifully it’s animated, so, puppet animation does have potential, I’m not gonna deny that. However, I hate that it is always used to replace 2D animation. It’s the cheaper, faster option and I can’t even begin to count the amount of shows that have started off with the plans for being 2D before being ultimately scrapped in favor of either puppet animation or 3D. Monkie Kid was the outlier in all that for me. It was 2D and it felt right. It was gorgeous and good for my brain to look at, it made me excited for animation and for art. It really was so incredibly special to me in a way it just can’t be anymore without Flying Bark’s animation. I probably won’t stop watching but, because of my dislike of puppet animation, it might be a bit of a struggle to get my brain to focus on it the way it used to, (we’ll see.) Absolutely no shade to Wildbrain (the new animation studio) they have worked miracles in the short time that they’ve had, they’ve managed to very closely replicate the style of monkie kid, and they are excellent at what they do, but when things are rushed (LEGO, [derogatory]) it makes it very hard to maintain a high standard, especially when we have something like Flying Bark’s animation to compare it to. And listen, please don’t tell me it looks similar to Flying Bark’s animation, please don’t send me shots and tell me but look how close it is! This one’s gorgeous! Because, at least to me… it’s not.

I’m the kind of person who sits in a room and I see a picture is crooked while no one else in the room notices. It could be off by centimeters but I still notice. It hurts my brain to look at and I go a bit insane until I can get up and straighten it, which usually makes people laugh and honestly yeah it’s kinda funny, but I really can’t stand things looking off, and, despite Wildbrain’s valiant attempt and excellent replication of the style, everything in the trailer we got looks off to me. From the framing, to the animation, to the design of the new characters; from the perspective to the coloring, everything is off and my ‘PLEASE LET ME STRAIGHTEN THE PICTURE’ brain hurts looking at it. I’m not trying to rag on the animation, I know they’re doing their best. Off things just hurt my brain to look at.

That’s why I loved Flying Bark’s animation so much. From Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Monkie Kid to Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Flying Bark’s animation has scratched that itch in my brain that has desperately wanted things to look right. Everything is just so shaped!!! AAA!!!

Now, there are episodes of monkie kid that I’m not as big of a fan of. Impossible Delivery is one of them. I’m not a fan of how some scenes are drawn in it, so I tend to avoid it a lot. And that was done by Flying Bark so, this new animation for Monkie Kid is really doing a number on me.

…that being said: I still aint’ about that ‘flying bark started out awkward too’

Once again, ABSOLUTELY NO SHADE TO WILDBRAIN, (or anyone who’s said this at any point, I ain’t coming for your kneecaps,) they have done a SPECTACULAR job replicating Flying Bark’s style in the time that they have and I’m sure LEGO has been putting them through the wringer and rushing them through stuff (which I’ll complain about in a minute) but that’s the thing… They replicated Flying Bark’s Style. Style and animation are two completely separate things. This same drama was used by critics to bash the crap out of ROTTMNT when it first came out; they kept saying the animation was ugly, but it wasn’t, the animation was gorgeous, it was the style that they disliked because, most shows right now start off clunky and a little ugly and that’s just how it is. (Also the promotional material for Rise dragged it through the mud. I will always be salty about that.)

The pilot of monkie kid’s style wasn't all the way there, I’m not gonna deny that. The crew at flying bark were still figuring things out how to draw lego, BUT. The perspective, the framing, and the animation were all on point and just as gorgeous as the rest of the series. When I hear the argument that Flying Bark wasn’t great at first either it makes me want to tear my hair out because it WAS great. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY GREAT, FROM THE BEGINNING, THEIR ANIMATION HAS BEEN GORGEOUS IN MONKIE KID SINCE DAY ONE. The style is what was off. With this new animation we have the opposite experience. Instead of an awkward style with a god tier animation, we have a pretty excellent replication of a good style with an animation form I personally am not a very big fan of. It’s jarring. And even though I’m sure wildbrain will indeed get into their own groove, it will likely never be as earth shattering as Flying Bark because Flying Bark is Flying Bark and what they did was possible because of 2D.

Onto yelling at lego here we go: 'Be grateful it wasn’t canceled'

I’ma be real, this one bugs me the most.

The animation industry right now sucks. There’s no denying it. We have incredible artists left and right being messed over by studios and companies, entirely completed series being deleted, artists being ripped off, overworked and underpaid, outsourcing in every way they can, the disrespect of A/I, and 2D animation especially being dragged through the mud, even with groundbreaking 2D+3D movies like Spider-Verse and award winning movies like The Boy and the Heron, proving 2D is far from dead. Shows are being canceled before their second or third seasons, ideas are being recycled, so many people have watched their favorite things end too soon, and I’m one of them. Bro I was into DRAGON BOOSTER as a kid. Do you know that show? Probably not. It was canceled after one season YEARS ago and ended on a cliffhanger that makes me hurt to this day and I was a kid back then. (Incredible show btw you should give it a watch.) This cancellation thing isn’t new. I got on board with Rise only to see it sniped because Nickelodeon is stupid. Legend of Korra got messed over by Nickelodeon too. I have experienced cancellation/rushed endings before and it sucks. And it fills me with rage to see the bar is so low, that we should all just be okay with what happened because ‘at least it wasn’t canceled.’ I’m not mad at the people saying this, I’m just upset that this is what the reality of animation is. Heck I'm allowed to be upset about it.

And, let’s be real for a second here… Monkie Kid is LEGO’s product for China. It’s making them money. Canceling monkie kid would be shooti ng themselves in the foot more than anything else. LEGO is not hurting for money. Ninjago ran for FIFTEEN seasons and is still running today in this soft-reboot with even better animation than before. LEGO has the means. They don’t need to rush animators to finish things or underpay people. Flying Bark is in big demand right now because more and more people are noticing how good their stuff is. I’m willing to bet their schedule is packed, (they’re working on the ATLA movie which I have mixed emotions about but at least the animation’s gonna be BANGER and last I heard a stranger things animated series??) and when you’re in that high of demand you have to raise your prices, that’s just how that works. But even with that, given enough patience, time, and proper pay, I have no doubt they could have done Monkie Kid as well. We know Lego was pushing them way too hard to animate Monkie Kid and that animation is INSANE and not cheap. LEGO can afford that. But they decided it wasn’t worth that.

Okay don’t quote me on that last bit. I really didn’t want to start going off about conspiracy theories but I admit I get really frustrated when I hear the ‘at least it wasn’t canceled’ thing because I know there’s more going on behind the scenes, people just aren’t transparent about it. Studios and companies right now don’t really care about the quality of things, it’s the artists and the writers and the creators that care about the quality. There are other 2D studios out there but LEGO chose to go with puppet animation because it's faster and cheaper. I am always going to be upset about that. Am I grateful Monkie Kid wasn’t canceled? Sure. But at the same time I don’t want to feel grateful for the bare minimum. I’m angry at the state of the animation industry that no one in the higher-ups of these industries seem to respect 2D animators or 2D animation in general, that no one seems to understand how much skill it takes to animate and how worth investing in it is. And seeing people tell others upset by this that they should be grateful they have anything at all just rubs me the wrong way.

And the audacity to change the animation is ridiculous to me because a huge part of the audience for LMK is here because of the animation. It’s not like Ninjago, which started off with low budget 3D and slowly got better and better over time with a few dips here and there. We started off with one of the best 2D animated shows of all time, (in my monkey obsessed opinion,) animated the way it was to draw in an audience, and suddenly for no reason at all and no prior warning we’ve dropped down to what every pilot of every puppet animation children show looks like these days. It feels like a crummy thing to do. Yes, I’m aware we’re lucky we still have a show, yes I’m grateful we still have the same VA’s and the same writers. But this is a big and abrupt change and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t suck.

Okay, onto my biggest concern: how the writing of the show will pair with this new animation.

With all due respect and love to the writers, Monkie Kid is awful when it comes to biased narration in their storytelling. It has relied so so heavily on visual storytelling to fill in the gaps and tell us what’s actually going on while the dialogue is lying to our face. If you’re not looking, it can lead you to woefully misunderstand the characters and what is happening. It’s a style of writing that I’m not a super big fan of, BUT I, for the most part (aside from fandom craziness,) enjoyed it! Because the animation helped it hold up. What made the storytelling work was the nuance and incredible detail in Flying Bark’s animation. You could analyze every expression, every style difference in flashbacks, and it would tell you so much; I am a SUCKER for that kind of stuff--drawing expressions and emotions is something I love so much--and Flying Bark served it to me on a silver platter with a golden spoon and crystal clear mountain water. The scope of what Flying Bark was able to do… I just don’t know if it can be replicated in puppet animation and that scares me a bit storytelling wise. Because I don’t want to be stressed out by Monkie Kid and unreliable narrators have a habit of stressing me out. It’s not to bad as long as it’s resolved later, but Monkie Kid has a habit of blowing over things, especially in regards to the lies told about Wukong and the only thing that tells us something different happened are the visuals, which stresses me out cause it results in INTENSE fandom bashing my favorite monkey and it’s really hard to avoid. (This is why I stepped back so far from interacting with the fandom.) I don’t want something that brought me comfort in my darkest times to be twisted into something I no longer want to see.

Is this the worst possible thing to have happened? No, of course not. It’s definitely not all that awesome either. For me it’s like eating at a gourmet restaurant having their insane mac n cheese every day for years and then suddenly you’re served KD from the dollar store and told you should be grateful because it could be worse, all the while the restaurant keeps its gourmet title. There’s nothing wrong with KD but bro I want my mac n cheese--

The fact that there was no prior warning is what really makes all this feel so sucky. I know this isn’t the end of monkie kid, but the animation is one of the biggest things that made the show unique, it’s what drew so many incredible artists in, it’s what inspired me to create and make friends and keep living. The animation provided nuance to the characters when the writing sometimes fell flat. It gave insights and information that worked well with the face-paced storytelling and brought the incredible voice acting to life. It’s not really going to be the same without it.

There is ofc more than just the animation that made monkie kid great. The voice actors, the SOUNDTRACK, the sound effects are all off the charts insanely high quality but man. It’s not complete without it. There’s a big ol’ gaping hole in the show and in my heart and as much as I love the show, that’s really rough. Because it’s not as though this makes things better. The quality didn’t drop because people wanted it to be easier for animators to animate, Wildbrain I’m sure is having a time meeting LEGO’s crazy deadlines right now, just like Flying Bark did. There was so much reused animation in season 4 because of how hard LEGO was riding animators' tails and pushing them to get things out faster and faster and I was more than alright with the reused animation so the animators could catch a break. But instead of backing off and being respectful of the time it takes to animate, LEGO dropped Flying Bark like a hot potato and immediately went to the cheaper, faster puppet animation. (JUST A THEORY/VENT DON’T QUOTE ME.) It’s not like there aren’t other 2D animation studios out there but they picked the puppet. And that SUCKS. I would have been okay waiting another year for monkie kid easy because Flying Bark is WORTH IT. I understand how long things take and that if I want a high quality product its going to take skill and time. It hurts me to watch animators having it rough because no one else seems to get that.

Alright in conclusion: We’ve only seen a few seconds of the trailer.

It’s hard to judge what the entire show will look like based off of that little. It could be incomplete, Wildbrain could get better, they could find their groove, I ain’t gonna rag on the animation because it’s giving you exactly the quality--maybe even higher--expected of what it is. It’s puppet animation. I dunno what to tell you man. But it’s not about that for me. For me it’s about 2D. It’s about some of the greatest animation I’ve ever seen being replaced when it didn’t need to be and that sucks. Flying Bark gave us the world and we didn’t lose that for any reason other than money and greed and impatience. That is so discouraging and upsetting. It is something else to go from every frame leaving me breathless and staring and in awe over the quality of the animation to Puppet Animation. The change hurts. Honestly, I never thought I would be as devastated as I am. I’ve processed a bit but I think it’s always going to suck because of how important monkie kid has become to me. I miss flying bark so much already. I’m still going to try and watch the show, but we’ll see how my brain does with the puppet animation. Don’t go ragging on the animators, guys, they’re doing their best and I gotta respect em.

I do wish we’d gotten more time to mourn flying bark’s absence. I wish people had gotten a heads up when season 4 had ended so they could have time to adjust and then get ready for the new style, because watching everyone hype themselves up for flying barks’ animation only to be told they're gone by a trailer kiiiinda sucks. But I digress.

I do find it funny it took changing animation studios for us to finally get a trailer and poster on time before the eps drop. So in a way, I appreciate that much of a warning at least. Better than nothing! And we’ve always wanted a trailer out first lol HGLKJSDF

I ain’t even gonna pretend I ain’t spoiled as HECK by flying bark’s animation. Honestly without it, I don’t know if I’d be as attached to the characters as I am. Real talk, I don’t know if I ever would have even watched Monkie Kid without it. I’m gonna miss flying bark with all I have in me and it's going to make rewatching and enjoying the show hard because of all this. I’m going to miss the time when every part of this show was a comfort to my brain and soul. Flying Bark's energy is unmatched, they bring a life to things that I haven’t seen anywhere else and I’m always gonna be grateful for the time I had with them animating Monkie Kid.

This is it. No more more Flying Bark monkie kid. The end. And that’s going to sting for a while. And probably keep stinging throughout the new season because… well… I love monkie kid. So seeing it become something else is going to hurt, especially if you hold it so close to your heart.

These new animators are doing their best and we can’t fault em for that. It ain’t their fault the animation industry is what it is. It’s great we still have the show going when so many other things have gotten canceled but the fact the bar is so low can hurt like heck too.

We’re gonna miss flying bark for a long time. It’s so goofy that something as simple as animation could have burrowed so deep into our hearts but it has and that’s truly wondrous and the magic of storytelling. I love shows. I love movies. I love what monkie kid was, and I hope I can learn to be okay with what it will be now. (Even with my ‘STRAIGHTEN THE PICTURE’ brain screaming at me lol.) Wishing you all the best, don’t make fun of the animation needlessly or go after the animators, be kind to them and to each other. If you wanna be salty don't send it to me just make ur own post thanks ima drop this and then go try some positivity lol. Until next time! I’ll see you in Monkie Kid season 5

Knox out

#aint no way im putting this in the main tag #knox rambles #comeback kid #monkie kid salt #salt #not sure how to tag this ITS A LONG ONE BOYS #i had 3k worth of thoghts built up #you can see where i get more RAAA emotions lol #its out we good #i think that'll be it for me for salt about the animation change #unless the season comes out and its wild #salt about writing may show up now that flying barks outta here we'll see i like to keep things light but eh #HOPE Y'ALL HAVING AS A GOOD A DAY AS U CAN #boi did i ramble HDJFJJGG #i do watch puppet animation shows from time to time but i have always wondered what they would look like in 2D gods #the three caballeros show is one of em i desperately wanted 2d of |;A;/ #okay im outta here gotta get ready to go getting out of rhe house this evening PEACE #it is a bit of a vent so #vent #hdjfjjgg ALRIGHT SKIDADDLIN

[wishing-stones]

If this isn't too heavy or anything... How would the boys react to a reader who's been dealing with so much negativity in their life for so long that they kinda just... Act like an ass all the time? (And they weren't an ass before, they changed over time.)

You are a prime target for ribbing.

Killer deals with this in stride, and will needle you into fights. He knows this intimately, this is exactly what happened to him, and he figures that getting it out of your system will either level you out or... make you a more pleasant person to be around. Your assholery gets assholery in return.

Dust claps back. your life sucked? Welcome to the club. It doesn't give you a free lease to be a dick to everyone else. If you wanna play 'my life sucks' olympics, he's gonna win. He gets kind of crabby with people who are dicks to him for no reason genuinely (not just dicking around like Killer does).

Axe is very patient, but if you are an ass to him for no reason, you're gonna wanna walk it back. He'll tolerate a great deal, but if he feels like you're getting too big for your britches, he will put you in your place real fast. Everyone here had a hard life. Everyone here has the chance to grow from it, and if you continue to be a douche, you're not gonna do a lot of growing.

Cross has a finer hair-trigger than even Killer does-- The first few times you just get a glare, or he leaves the room. Continue to push him, and he fights back, and he is not nice. When Cross has had enough, he has enough, and you might go to physical blows. He equates dickishness to disrespect, and he's not keen on letting anyone disrespect him. It's why he and Killer fight so much.

Baggs... is dangerous to play this game with. He doesn't tolerate blows to his pride or ego, and if you push beyond the short, clipped responses and stingingly accurate barbs, you get one warning to quit your shit, or you'll regret it. The threat is delivered smoothly, calmly, and lowly, and if you ignore it... what happens to you is your own fault. If you remember anything at all, you'll be lucky-- but suffice it to say, you won't find it easy to be an asshole to him anymore. The words just... won't come. You might not like him any, but... the most you can do is glare at him, for some strange reason. You also feel the compulsion to talk about your life with him from time to time. Just about once a week. How odd...

Nightmare takes none of this. If he feels like you're lashing out in anger or frustration, he'll take that away before informing you that, while he enjoys the free shots of negativity, he's not going to tolerate any disrespect, and you are not, in fact, in a position to be so antagonistic, even if you frame it as joshing around. He'll siphon off whatever negativity you have if you don't want to feel it anymore, and coax you into behaving the same way he coaxed the others into behaving; patience, acceptance, and firm adherence to the rules he sets in place.

They're all assholes, but if they perceive your attitude as disrespect, it won't go well.

#k answers #k headcanons #feat. r&r crew #these guys are NOT nice dudes most of the time

[houseofbrat]

Seeing as he’s benefitted so much from this flexible working opportunity, is he going to come out and champion this for the general public? Acknowledging his privilege would go a long way here I think. People can’t help what they’re born into but they can do a lot with the platform they’re given.

I wonder if he will do that as well. As it seems another PR fiasco waiting to happen. The Queen was dying of cancer but had all her children working full time.

Whenever articles like this come out I am reminded of what Wills was like when he actually had to work and had weeks off at a time to the dismay of his colleagues.

‘He’s hardly ever on shift. He was very enthusiastic to begin with but it tailed off. It’s supposed to be four on, four off but with the Duke it’s more off than on. He had at least four weeks off over Christmas, which has to be staffed the same as normal weeks. It’s fine that he gets a bit of special treatment but it’s beginning to really annoy some people. The rumour is that he’s just a bit bored of it.’ ”

And then the royal household shot back at claims we was lazy by saying he needed mandatory rest days for his job resulting in the Civil Aviation Authority having to shoot back and saying “When they are having rest days their time is their own, and they can do what they want, including carrying out royal duties.”

I can’t imagine this level of unprofessionalism.

The whole thing I’ve felt about this is what a stark contrast it is to the plebs they rule over - from preventative chemo when we have people waiting months on the NHS (from personal experience experience - I had a scam last year to see if I have a form of gynaecological cancer. I was told the scan was clear. Last month I was told that the scan was actually inconclusive and needs redoing as they couldn’t see the part the needed to but no one told me until nearly a year later) to partners who get punished for taking time off work to care for a loved one.

I understand that they are rich and powerful enough to do what they want. But it’s rather galling to see such a stark contrast between ruler and subject.

He really does seem like he’s not interested in the whole thing doesn’t he?

He's only interested in the income and power that comes with it, he'll never give it up he's spent his whole adult life trying to do as little as possible. The moment he got access to the Prince of Wales duchy $ he was no longer beholden to his father and can now redefine expectations. The bar has been set pretty low and he has the British Tabloid Media propping him up and running PR for him, there's also evidence that they spend a fair chunk of cash employing bots online propping them up and attacking anyone who says anything negative. Between the BTM and the royal sychophants he's been getting away with it and will continue to. Countdown 3,2,1 to one of those sycophants leaving me a comment .....

I think he should have to follow around people who have to keep working while also caregiving for sick or elderly family members while also juggling raising kids and keeping up on other obligations. I’m sure he would be shocked — most of us can’t step back to the extent he gets to do so. As the future king, he should understand the lives of the majority of the people. Read the room.

Considering their work is mostly just turning up and being “seen”. How exactly is work from home gonna help anyone?

He’s going to do some twitch streaming.

I just learned that 600 organizations sponsored by QE2 have not yet been taken over.  Some are very important but there are no signs of any restructuring, selection and elimination plans.  People criticize W for this instead of C because W is the one who shows no interest in continuing to show up and sponsor organizations.  William currently only works as Chairman, managing the principality and two projects Earthshot and Housing for the Homeless.  W does not take over King Charles' projects like he is PoW, so King is basically overloaded and cannot take over anymore. 

If he wants to work without being seen, then the real question is what type of "behind the scenes work" is he actually doing? Because every time he talks about a topic in public, he only seems to speak popular talking points that even someone without knowledge can say. He doesn't speak like someone who really knows the topic of discussion in depth.

That's why Earthshot being a "passion project" is laughable. His speeches are so shallow. It's the same with Kate and Early Years and those lame five questions that took some ten years to come up with. Everything they say is like a total no-brainer. So, what work are they really doing behind the scenes?

I think people whose spouses have cancer should be able to take health leave and its v sad for people who live in a country where they can't. But I would give him a lot more grace if he and Kate weren't famously Duchess Dolittle and Workshy William. This has been a habit for years. Its not like Anne got sick and disappeared from public life

Yep. He has been on Easter holiday since March 23 to April 17. Plus, January entirely off. It doesn't look good.

My friend has breast cancer (we’re in the UK). She’s having chemo and is the same age as Kate. She has to have fairy major surgery after the chemo and has had to go back to work because she has to save her sick leave for the recovery from the operation. This is during chemotherapy. This country is completely broken and lacks compassion for everyone (like most of the Western World) but then expects an exception to be made for the royal family who are loaded and don’t even use the NHS and have an enormous amount of monetary resources.

I have huge compassion for Kate. I think she’s been incredible over a long period of time in a job I would absolutely loathe personally (whether people say she wanted the gig or not) - but I don’t think William has had her back very much recently from what I can see objectively, particularly over the recent PR debacle. And, being honest, I wonder why that is. I think we’re fed total BS by the press over who these people really are.

I don’t think you can be raised like William or Harry and have any kind of perspective. It’s just logical that you can’t. They had a terrible childhood to be honest. And there are people who hold responsibility for that.

But yes, absolutely, if Kate wants him there, he should be allowed to support his family, no questions asked. I just wonder if she really does?

Can someone who knows actually share what his duties are and how he can work while not being seen?

Can someone who knows actually share what his duties are and how he can work while not being seen?

He looks at the country with somber frowns on his face and in return the country looks back at him with approving nods. That is what we call a symbiotic relationship.

How quickly William forgets the way he and Kate were ripped apart prior to the great Sussex Split.  He can do what he wants, but this is inevitably not going to go well and he is definitely no longer a young and handsome sympathetic figure.

Yeah that one reporter said it perfectly when they were speculating about why Will didn’t go to that funeral that William feels he can do what he likes because the press let’s him get away with everything.

"Working from home"? How stupid do they think people are? waits to see the defense(s) royalists come up with

Is she sicker than anticipated? Because Charles seems to have actual cancer versus "cancer was present" and "preventative chemo," and he is "working" more than William.

Also, don't forget that Camilla has also been out and about and "working," during his treatments.

Something is weird.

The press’s analysis of him is willfully ignorant as usual. It used to be the kids, now it’s Kate’s diagnosis. Will is telling us his approach to royal “work” is not and will not be the same as the King or Queen Elizabeth. This is his plan for the monarchy.

They've been doing it since he left Eaton. It's one invented excuse after another. Anything to excuse his refusal to do any royal "work" so they don't have to criticize him, and he can keep his "Golden Boy" image.

let him enjoy a normal college experience!

he's only in his 20s! He's got time!

He's an ambulance pilot, let him have fun with that for a bit!

He's not the heir! He's only the son of the heir!

he just got married!

He's only in his 30s! He's got time!

he has babies at home!

he has small children at home!

he's not the King, his father is!

His wife has cancer!

What's next?

Will is telling us his approach to royal “work” is not and will not be the same as the King or Queen Elizabeth.

Mmhmm well the press and royalists' response to Will telling them he' would rather be a lazy, hands off King is for him to reconsider his entitlement and privilege - reality check for this 40 something year old Prince

Bingo. Start as you mean to go on...which means doing nothing and collecting taxpayer money while you do it.

William’s work ethic is going to be a catalyst to reform the UK government :/ EII had to be seen to be believed - William believes in not being seen? The republicans will gain momentum with a King who does nothing.

To repeat what I said a month or so ago when they claimed William was focused on “his work, not social media:” what work?

#reddit #my gif #Workshy Will #kensington palace #pr games #strategery #pr fail #William The Prince of OWN GOALS #William The Terrible #William The Weak #prince william #William The Prince of Wales #The Workshy Waleses

[originalleftist]

Dolph Lundgren on Amber Heard and Aquaman II cuts.

Looks like Dolph Lundgren isn't following the studio line:

"Action movie icon and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom star Dolph Lundgren has revealed that Jason Momoa "got spooked" with the "Amber Heard situation," and believes that the Aquaman franchise is now over. In an exclusive interview with MovieWeb, Lundgren addressed the future of the Aquaman franchise and says he has heard "through somebody else" that Momoa wants to move on to other things.

"I don't know what's gonna happen with Aquaman. I've heard Jason Momoa thinks it's just his last one, and he wants to do something else. I heard it through somebody else. But it's hard to know what's going to happen in the future, except I just thought they had a great script, and they had a great director and good cast [for the second film]."

After praising the script, director, and cast of the sequel, Lundgren reasoned that Momoa grew concerned about the involvement of Amber Heard, the bad press the actress was getting at the time, and how this would affect the box office and audience response.

"And I guess he got spooked with this Amber Heard situation and the fact that people weren't gonna see the movie because she's in it. I always thought that was overrated. I mean, I think when you make a movie, you've got to stick to your guns a little bit... So, I personally wish they stuck with the original because I thought it was quite good."

Lundgren also referred to "the original," by which he means the first version of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. A version in which both he and Amber Heard reportedly had much bigger roles.

Lundgren is likely right in thinking that the Aquaman franchise in its current form is over, with Momoa rumored to be changing characters and playing Lobo in James Gunn and Peter Safran's rebooted DCU.

The Aquaman sequel was hammered with delays and negative reports from behind the scenes, with documents released as part of the Johnny Depp versus Amber Heard defamation trial even claiming that Momoa had arrived to set drunk and "pushed" to have Heard removed from the project entirely.

While his time underwater may now be done, Dolph Lundgren has plenty in the pipeline. The action star will next lead Wanted Man, a movie that he has also directed, co-wrote, and produced. Starring Christina Villa, Kelsey Grammer, and Michael Paré alongside Lundgren, Wanted Man follows the Rocky IV star as an aging detective who travels to Mexico to extradite a woman who witnessed the murders of two DEA agents. Of course, things are never as simple as that, with Lundgren soon finding himself unable to trust anyone admit flying bullets fired from every side.

Wanted Man is due to be released by Quiver Distribution in select theatres and on video on demand from January 19, 2024. You can check out the trailer below:"

Some takeaways here:

Further corroboration that Amber Heard was telling the truth about her role being reduced, that this was done to placate the hate mob.

Jason Momoa is a self-absorbed coward who threw his costar under the bus for the sake of his own career.

There was a prior version of the film (not sure if it was ever all actually shot or just scripted) that would have had expanded roles for Heard and likely also Lundgren, and was probably superior to what was released.

Glad to have supported Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (#OnlyForMera), will not be watching the reboot as things stand. Nor anything by Wan or Momoa.

#ReleaseTheAmberCut

#Warner Bros #DC #Aquaman #Aquaman II #Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom #Dolph Lundgren #James Wan #Jason Momoa #Amber Heard #Mera #Only For Mera #Release the Amber Cut

[the-ghost-king]

I know ur not gonna watch the show but I would b so into hearing ur takes on it, it's just not hitting for me rn

from what bits and pieces i've seen posted on here i would say that the cinematography seems really nice, most recent disney shows seem to have a very casual "content" style of filming. i don't know how else to explain it other than the current productions even in their filming are designed just to push more media out rather than a love for film and photography as an art form, and i think the pjo tv show from the screencaps and commercials/trailers i have seen seems to balance this nicely. disney is inevitably going to want to push out content as that is how they profit, but the camera angles and the camera details (Percy doing fortnite dances, very funny, but also very well shot! Medusa's veil, very clever and I like the "coy" way the camera plays with the viewer seeing her eyes in those gifs) have an intention and care into them that other recent disney tv shows geared towards the same age group just don't seem to have. i will say that's nice!

the only negative thing i have to say from what i've seen in the gifs and screencaps is that camp looks very... cheap... there are some cool details i seen someone make a post pointing out Percy's seaweed lamp (very cool! i like the fish skeletons I seen hanging too!) but the campers running around in the background do not have the same level of attention given. of course they are background characters and they're definitely not given full styling teams or proper wardrobe, but it is so bad imo to the point where it has become distracting to me in the background a few times on those clips, i can't imagine trying to watch the show and seeing all these background characters running around looking disconnected from the main cast by the lack of attention to their wardrobe. it's not that it's inherently wrong or anything, there are budgets shows have to stick to and cutting background characters is usually one of the first places shows cut, so maybe i should just be thankful all the kids aren't poorly done cgi but at the same time seeing Percy or Annabeth's chb shirts be very well tailored to them as individuals and then seeing the exact opposite in the background characters is just ??? to me. i don't know if it's a problem anyone else has but i tend to just pin point weird details like that.

i know they have changed some of the details of the plot and such, i can't comment much on that as i haven't actually watched any of those episodes. i hope it doesn't have any significant ripple effects down the line in terms of them having to skip entire bits of development in characters or plot because they felt something wasn't important 3 seasons ago and then they have to go "oh shit wait we needed that obscure bit" but who can say we are no where near that point.

my favorite bit of anything and everything to come out of the show though is the god awful horribly incorrect predictions people are having, people crushing on Luke, and people hoping for Percy as if he isn't the main character. if i was a more chaos driven person i would be frothing at the mouth for people's behavior in later seasons where there's a wider cast and stakes are higher and outcomes are more unknown. do i want the 2014 pjo/hoo drama rehashed? no absolutely not that sucked we should never do that again. do i want to sit back with a snack and watch other people rehash the same points and start the same fights 10 years later simply because it would be a mess? someone find me an original persassy post and sign me up. (it's like when you've worked in retail and then you're out in public and another customer is being awful and you're having flashbacks but also your nosey so you keep watching and you only intervene if it gets excessive... someone here has to understand that comparison....)

honestly i can't say too much about the actual show itself i haven't seen it, i've just seen bits and pieces of what (mostly mutuals) have posted or shared. i stand behind the fact i'm not really interested in fandoms with tv shows in the same way i am towards book fandoms and that i won't be watching the show; but i am open to staying neutral on things if people want to reach out just for someone to share thoughts with as if i am not even watching it i won't have strong opinions on most things, if any.

i know there have been more episodes dropped since you sent this so hopefully some of your tv show wants are happening, nonnie <3

#anon #asks #adaptation

[juniperhillpatient]

The Swamp Re-Watch

Alright, this episode was a fun spooky adventure. I enjoyed the ghostly nature of the Swamp as a setting. Loved the horror movie moments as well as the opportunity for characters like Yue & Kya to haunt the narrative a little. Grief is an ongoing theme in Avatar, & it's fun to see it presented in the form of characters who are gone reappearing as visions.

(Something to keep in mind as I write this recap review is that I have been drinking wine steadily since 3 pm & it's now 3 am soooo about 12 hours? I'm not an alcoholic or on a bender, it's just Thanksgiving & I was with family now I'm home. Uh, the point is, I am doing my very bestest to be coherent okay 🙂)

Anywayyy! This episode was fun. I was gonna say I think this is the first time I'll really disagree with @theowritesfiction's overall opinion on the episode as we both do our re-watches because I really did enjoy this episode & I can't say anything negative about it but then I re-read the re-watch post in question & actually I overall agree with the commentary made. I just enjoyed the episode personally.

I think this episode's main fun comes from the ghostly vibe & overall horror movie homage vibe but it's also significant for the characters.

We see Katara seeing Kya again & breaking down. I think the main issue I have with this if I'm critiquing the writing, is that we should've gotten more...not closure, but emotional impact maybe? from that interaction. I think that part of the reason Katara's "complaints about her dead mom" are critiqued in this fandom (aside from blatant sexism & fandom idiocracy when it comes to Katara) DOES have to do with the way we're never really given significant flashbacks that tell us anything about Kya herself. Even this ghostly vision has her back turned. Can't haunt the narrative if you were never really a character. Still, it's an emotional moment for Katara, & important for understanding her character & the grief she is still holding onto.

I'm really glad that we got to see Yue again, & her vision's accusations that Sokka "didn't protect her" hit hard. Unlike the vision of Kya, I think that from a writing perspective, the vision of Yue was really thoughtful & fascinating. The real Yue chose to sacrifice herself & would never have blamed anyone else for her death. This vision berates Sokka for not doing better. I think that this says a lot about the nature of the Swamp. It doesn't show you actual ghosts, it shows you your own psyche.

That said....actually now my original thesis or like, point or whatever that this episode was super well written actually is falling apart because how does that fit in with the swamp guru dude's speech?

"In the swamp, we see visions of people we've lost, people we loved, folks we think are gone. [The shot cuts to show the people that Sokka and Katara saw in the swamp, before cutting back to Huu.] But the swamp tells us they're not. We're still connected to them. Time is an illusion and so is death."

My theory about this is that Huu doesn't fully understand the Swamp himself. No other option makes sense to me, because I think that the visions Sokka & Katara had only make sense from their own perspectives as manifestations of their grief. Kya turning away & saying nothing & Yue making Sokka feel worse for not preventing her death makes no sense unless it's Sokka & Katara's own fears manifesting. This isn't digging too deep or Pepe Sylvia-ing even, it's just...true. Huu, you don't get the Swamp, I'm stating it as fact now.

Anyway anyway. Um, on to Aang's vision! TOPH MY BELOVED <3 I love it but I also hate it. Again, I'm pissed that the whole "time is an illusion" thing just does not work because Kya & Yue's presence/actions/vibe literally just do not make sense in that context, it has to be a psychological thing for Sokka & Katara BUT the "time is an illusion" thing IS a clever allusion (ahhh I love getting to use that word when we're also talking about 'illusions') to Toph's future introduction.

Okay, I'm gonna be real honest with you guys I've been drinking even more wine the entire time I've been writing this re-cap/review & I'm running out of remotely intelligible thoughts (maybe none of these make the mark) BUT I thought of a funny idea. @theowritesfiction is doing a jerk point competition right? Okay well, I'm gonna do a "Iconic Points " competition. Basically, every time a character behaves in a way that makes me go "iconic" they get points. I have been trying to think of a fun - ummm I can't think of a word other than "alternative" but I KNOW that's not the word I'm looking for? but whatever - alternative to the "jerk points" thing to do myself & here we are.

Since I'm starting this competition late, the characters are getting raw points from Book 1 based fully on Wine Tipsy™ Rose's vague memories, which I think is a 100% Fair & Neutral & Objective (/joking) way to start this competition:

Katara: 1000 points for 'Imprisoned' & the pirate episode combined

Zuko: 1000 points for - well, I can't think of a specific instance but ILY Book 1 Zuko you depressed bastard you deserve some points

Jet: 1001 points - he gets 1 more point than Zuko & Katar for becoming one of my favorite characters in just one episode while they both took an entire season also for being better than everyone & done dirty by the Narrative™ AND the fandom & therefore deserving for first place status thus far

Sokka: 1000 points total. 800 points for 'The Northern Air Temple.' 200 for the Northern Siege episodes for making me fall in love with Yuekka & generally acting badass

Aang: 1000 points for Book 1 as an entirety because he had a lot of iconic moments, especially kicking Zhao & Zuko's asses

Yue: 1050 for the same reasons as Jet AND for sacrificing herself for the greater good

Book 2 so far:

Gaang: 0, they've been fine I guess but none of them have won any points sorry

Azula: 2000 for...I don't know? Everything? If you have to ask you've failed some kind of litmus test

Mai: 1000 for trying to kill the Gaang

Ty Lee: 1000 for acting suave about her childhood crush trying to kill her

Iroh: 500 for my perceived fan theory that I entirely made up about him tricking Zuko into getting help from Song.

Zuko: 500 for mugging a Karen Dude who embarrassed Iroh in the Swamp Episode

Okiii that is all I have to say for now! I will be more specific about assigning points & create a document to keep track in the future, but there you have it for now. Also, sorry for low-key copying you, Theo, but imitation is the sincerest form of flattery & I really wanted to do a points thingy myself too, it makes it so fun.

That's all for this episode!

Edit! I forgot that Suki gets 500 points for being a boss ass badass bitch in Book 1 but she's still not getting the super high 1000 count as everyone else for being low key forgettable. Not hate, just a noted thing about Book 1 & a further point that Suki needs more backstory

#...........i was so clearly burning out on brain power toward the end of that. IF i ever had any #i can't tell you my estimate for how many bottles of wine ive been through today because you guys would judge me LMAO #atla re watch #the swamp

[primalspice]

Ratbro - 🖊️, 🩹, 💤, , 💯, 🔺, 🐷, 💔, 💜, 🥪, 🤔, 🧐,

🫡

🖊️ — does your oc have any tattoos? do they want any (more) tattoos?

He doesnt have any but he wants one that says FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DO NOT FUCKING RESUSCITATE

🩹 — does your oc have any physical and/or mental disabilities?

for a guy who got revived from being esploded and then locked in a warehouse for 30 years hes doing pretty ok but he's quite ptsd'd and brain damaged and chronic pain'd. him and his bestie can bond over shared morphine ^w^

💤 — is your oc a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper? how are their sleeping habits?

its really a mixed bag LOL generally he sleeps lightly and disturbedly. a little more scheduled at the fresk facility (not his choice) but a little less horribly overall once hes with faust.

💯 — share three random facts about your oc that others may not know.

Details irt his dying and undying: he was like esploded and shot because he happened to join the military just before the once-every-20-years-severe-civil-unrest. and he died but the soon-to-be-defunct Citizens Longevity Project stitched his sorry ass back up and life supported him and tried to see wtf else would work Experimentally. it was Painful and Traumatizing for him. The project got defunded like a year or two after they realived him but long story short the founder coordinated things to where he and the others would pretty much have to just relocate but still stay in Custody. It was already pretty horrific but the quality of care obviously went steeply downhill LOL the only good part was that they didnt really bring in anyone new to get experimented upon.

2. Unlike harvey he actually graduated highschool before joining the military, but honestly it probably woulda been better for him to go earlier since he kinda sucked at school LOL. part two: i regret to inform that altho he was mainly a soldier/body to get shot at, his position during peacetime was pretty much just a junior cop.

3. He's pretty unimpressed by Faust's fancy coffee-making skills and doesnt really like coffee in the first place, but anything that isnt Facility Slop is a treat to him so he drinks it anyway.

🔺 — does your oc know how to use any weapons?

He still remembers how to shoot *smiles* thats pretty much all tho, he'd have been a decent fighter in his youth despite his tall scrawnyness but those days are long gone. he sure can try tho.

🐷 — what is your oc's favorite animal?

I don't think he's ever really had pets or anything, but he'd likely enjoy a dog. i say this insultingly.

💔 — what are three of your oc's negative traits?

Im gonna like.....not bring his Circumstances into it so i'll just focus on his base personality LOL. he's a Sheeple for lack of better words 😔 severely. Kinda in the same vein, he's quite approval-seeking. And i think he also suffers from harvey's disease in that he acts very passive and clueless while participating in (usually indirect) violence. altho i suppose he paid for that last one pretty quickly seeing how his bout in the military ended LOL.

💜 — what is your oc's ancestry/genetic background?

Apart from several generations of region zeroites, i think his and harvey's ancestors are majorly like. german/british medwestern americans.

🥪 — what does your oc's typical lunch look like? do they usually eat lunch?

Faust gives him his unwanted scraps like he's a dog. He gets his own lunch when theyre living together too tho, ofc. hes a VIP. He has whatever Faust is having and its a LUXURY compared to the like. cheese sandwiches and slop he's been served at the freak facility.

🤔 — what are some of your oc's quirks/mannerisms?

He's often very confused or volatile Because he is confused because he was like literally reborn today and he can't catch a break. He has a staring problem.

🧐 — is your oc more logical or emotional?

He's guided by his desire to Keep The Peace, and he usually sees that as doing what he's told. I think its an emotional response. It's hard for him to follow much logic even if he wanted to nowadays, he's only able to operate in the Non-Warehouse World off of what the extremely biased other in his life have told him since he's been out.

#ask game #raymond

[thirstybtsthoughts]

Hey bestie, I've been thinking about this lately, and I really wanted the advice of a friend. And also anyone else who wants to chip in and give any thoughts on the matter is totally welcome and appreciated to share their feelings about it.

So there's this sexy wonderful guy that I'm gonna be meeting. He's charming and funny and SOOOO CUTE FR. And he's got nothing but green flags, I know a ton about him, his past, his life, what he stands for, the type of man everyone who has met him or knows him says he is and strongly attests to. He's kinda a celeb, (doesn't really see himself that way, but he's got a highly successful TV show and a huge fanbase). Idk if that would make any difference thinking about age, that's why I mentioned it. (Which I will get to.) I'm gonna be meeting with him soon personally, and I really... wanna shoot my shot. I've known him for a while now, and I've fallen hard for him. And I really, really am into him.

The only thing I'm kinda thinking about is our ages... he's... 23 years older than me. He's basically as old as two of me (I'm 21, he's 46), and... the same age as my parents. And I know that can sound iffy or ick, but you really have to just know this man. He's charming and honestly so young at heart, in a good way. And he's aged phenomenally. He looks so hot, just as hot as when he was in his twenties, and his thirties, oh GOD. 🔥 Its a bit weird for me because although I've had celeb crushes on older men, I'm not into OLDER older guys irl that I would actually want to be with. I personally want to be with guys my age for several reasons (that's just my prefference). It just feels weird about the idea of my parents and him if they were ever in the same place. He's never been married, doesn't have any kids. He's definitely in a different place mentally than my parents. He's also been dating off and on, but just never found the right partner.

I don't have feelings for him because of his age or status, I solely am attracted to a specific, rare personality in men. The way he moves, gestures with his hands, the way his eyes gaze, the way he makes expressions, the way he talks, thinks, acts. And he's just... everything. Everything I want. Everything I've ever wanted. I just... this is the first time I have ever realistically wanted to be with an older man. We love the same things, like, all of them. He's everything I have ever wanted in a man, and the man I fell for, he's just in a body that's older than mine. What do you think about this? I swear, its not a creep situation. I'm really jumpy about any sort of thing like that, and yet, I just feel naturally safe with him. He is a great man.

I talked to my mom about me theoretically being with a man her age, and she said it would be really weird and uncomfortable. Which I agree with and see, it would be if and when they would ever meet and be in the same place. But if its just him and I, we feel the same... I've never felt this passionate about any real man besides Tae, or specific fictional characters. He has CONSUMED me. I cannot get enough of his presence.

He's into me, and I am a fully grown adult. We met as fully grown adults. We met at his work, NOT through my parents or anything related to anyone else. We met, he knows no one else in my family or my friends, because we're friends. Should I do what *I* know I want, and go for it?

Sincerely, "teacup"

Hi, thanks for dropping in 😊.

Tricky situation, I think age doesn’t always matter. My only concern would be that I want you to be careful because you are young and there is a chance he could be using you if he likes you in the same way.

Honestly if it’s something that you both want to try, it’s entirely up to you. People will judge and talk shit but as long as you are safe and happy, it’s your life.

It sounds like you are quite self aware too, which is good because you will need to be in order to protect yourself from potential grooming or negativity.

I hope whatever you choose to do works out 😊.

#asks #anon #advice #teacup

[dgcatanisiri]

I apologize for bringing up discourse that I legitimately am trying to not unleash yet again, but... Well, it hit my dash, I'm gonna clear things up and word vomit this out so I don't just get into fights with strangers on a subject I'm trying VERY hard to just... put behind me because I'm just spent on trying to understand how things shook out.

ON PAPER, maybe you could argue that TLJ is not sympathetic to Kylo, and sure, Rey and Kylo as a pairing did not spontaneously appear only after the second movie of the trilogy.

TLJ is still responsible for the massive spike of these things.

Let's start with the second point - that ship was certainly around as of TFA, sure. But the audience for it was... if not more restrained, then at least a little less... INTENSE. Y'know, with the big mystery of Rey's parentage, there was a legitimate concern that maybe she'd turn out to be Luke's daughter, or the secret second Solo child, something that gave her and Kylo a blood relation. So they were there, they were certainly annoying for anyone trying to not interact, but they weren't the overbearing EVERYTHING of the response.

But then TLJ made everything revolve around the two of them, doing its damnedest to shove Finn out of the picture entirely, after the previous film had been spend building up the Finn-Rey relationship. It spends all this time, emphasizing the similarities between Rey and Kylo... Which, honestly? Was also FINN'S place in the prior film, because Finn was the only one who had done anything when Snoke says "there has been an awakening." The events that made Finn defect from the First Order were actions outright ordered by Kylo himself. Finn explicitly came from nothing, given that he was a rank and file stormtrooper, given only a number, not even a name, by the First Order, while, of course, Kylo is the son of Rebellion/New Republic heroes. Kylo was trying to make Rey his counterpoint, but TFA plays FINN as such.

Likewise... Why does Rey even CARE about Kylo? Her experience with him is him kidnapping and torturing her, killing her father figure (and his actual father - I'll be back to this point late), and grievously wounding Finn, the first person she's had who would come back to her. And also leaving him for dead on Starkiller, a planet that exploded a short time later - why isn't she surprised he's even alive, let alone why does she decide to bring him back to the light?

TLJ was what gave the spotlight to the Rey and Kylo relationship, so yeah, it's fair to call that the spark that spurred on the worst of that pairing's attitude and fans.

And then to the first point... Again. On paper, sure, you can argue that the story is not sympathetic to him because of, say, that final shot of him having attained the highest point of the fascism and found it hollow and empty, cutting him off from those who offered him kindness...

But it doesn't change how the film still goes face first into what tends to be call the Satire Paradox, the inability for those being criticized by the media to understand that THEY are the punchline. Or the trope "Do Not Do This Cool Thing," of putting forward something negative, but in such framing that the things it's criticizing are actually things that are positive. This is a common concern for anything that centers on the calling out fascism, of how in exposing it and bringing it to light, those already inclined to it will take it as a recruitment film, rather than a warning - we see this with American History X, a film meant to put the spotlight on and show the dangers of hatred and neo-natsees specifically, but you know who love the imagery of American History X? The neo-natsees. Fascism is pagentry, it's about visuals and the appearance of the machine, so if you give them something that looks cool, it will be all they focus on, ignoring the message of how the fascism is bad, actually.

That's something I've been pointing out as of late in my other non-tagged Star Wars takes, that, up until Andor, a series it did not produce until 2022, Disney has tried very hard to soften the edges of Imperial fascism (an act that, genuinely, I do attribute to Disney wanting to make a buck of Imperial merch and utilizing the masked Imperials as mascot figures in their parks, rather than the more individualized and distinctive characters on the side of the heroes, as opposed to being intentionally and actively endorsing these things, but it is still a problem), and this is obvious in how the sequels are so much the story of Kylo, a fact that begins HERE. Where the film spends much time focusing on and caring about HIS inner conflict. It's what comes from having him remove and destroy his helmet - now he is not a faceless figure, we get to see his eyes and expressions as the film spends so much time building up his struggles and story, portray his inner struggles now that we can see his pensive glances and such (there's a reason the saying is that the eyes are the windows to a person's soul - actors often cite their eyes as a valuable acting tool to convey emotions).

It's played as a tragedy when he will not go with Rey and abandon the First Order. His fall is treated as something done to him and not a conscious choice on his part to turn on the organizations that his loving family built up, after having Luke Skywalker - the man who looked to Darth Vader and said "I feel the good in you, father," after years of him being the enemy - contemplate killing him simply because of what he might do.

The film threw out the established characterization of the legacy character, didn't try to connect the dots in how that changed, and tries to frame this all as the established character's fault.

That's what it comes to. NO ONE is calling out Kylo's actions and behavior as HIS responsibility. If I'm generous, the film is leaving it implicit... But unfortunately, when you leave it implicit, it also leaves the door open for the worst people to dismiss that message and try to take it in that direction of "but it looks so cool while he's doing it."

The movie is centered on trying to show Kylo wavering, uncertain, looking back towards the light after being immersed in the dark... And this is a decision that he made rather definitively in the prior film, when he MURDERED HIS FATHER. Why are we now, after the fact, spending this time questioning if maybe he can be redeemed? When the prequels had Anakin Force choke Padme, it was a sign that he had crossed the line. Why is Kylo impaling Han Solo on his lightsaber a sign that he really wants to be good?

If pressed, I would call TLJ a fine standalone film. The problem it comes down to, however, is that it was NOT meant to BE a standalone film. It was supposed to be part two of a trilogy, part eight of a saga. Rather than build on the elements established in the prior film, TLJ wants to go off in its own direction, tripping over the elements that it can't discard from the prior film.

And any writer who goes into this situation, knowing they are writing a middle part of a story, and approaches things as "well, [thing] introduced in [prior film] doesn't fit with the story I want to tell, so I'm going to ignore it"? Yeah, I'm comfortable calling them a bad writer and their story a bad story, because you were hired to WORK with those elements, not just discard them.

#dg rants #the last jedi critical #anti the last jedi

[sizzlingpatrolfox]

https://www.tumblr.com/sizzlingpatrolfox/739529289657171968/the-ccompany-pushing-jikook-like-jokers-making-it

I love how you said that whatever there is of jikook 95% out there in the last decade is from company content knowing very well that these the two members who has seen hanging out the most out of their schedules except the 2 year. Although i didn't see anyone much in 2022 going out and all and half the year they weren't on hiatus.

Thing is even if they were not shown on cam there's not much to show about others too since others don't spend as much as time together even ON CAM like jimin and jungkook do cause how many times you have heard jk and other members talking about eating in hotel together after concerts? I'm sure they all do i have seen it but is it as regular thing for them as much as it is for jimin and jungkook? No.

I remember how in LA concert everyone was saying how jm and jk looks distant and jk looks more close with tae than jm cause they were hardly together on any on cam content or anything turned out jk had spend most of his free time in jm's room, doing gym together, eating together, taking night walks together and this only came in light when jm told it in live so how can you think they could have shown other pairings most when it's jm and jk that spend most time together??? They said they workout together daily and only one day was filmed and showed out of all the days they were there so if these were the two who were working out together do you expect them to show jk and tae working out together? Or jk and jin? Or jimin and rm? They did showed rm, jm and jk tho but again jm and jk were the ones who were regular in that.

I know they didn't hangout together last year like they used to so i won't sit here and make excuses for that but now people can't even be happy about what they get from their biases or ships even if im official content? Should they cry now? Or start making videos like tkkrs who were cutting out jimin from whole vminkook Hangout on the beach and that dinner after beach and call it their personal time person private tk date? I mean if you're this much attentive towards what tkkrs do I'm sure you saw how they got hit tweets cutting out jm from the whole clips and calling it tk private dinner and at the same time shading jikook? How the heck can you say you're fine with tkkrs making that official content and personal time shit tweets when it's only some months that tk hungout together but no shit Sherlock from many yrs before that? Everyone knows jm loves beach now if they filmed something for the content from that whole beach trip are you gonna say that they only did it because they wanted to put that into company content? Are you gonna say that jimin only went to the beach because bh wanted him to and not because he loves beach? Are you gonna sat it's all for official content for 3min clip from all the time vminkook spend in there?

Funny how y'all keep saying that the company is pushing jikook cause they want jk to stand out as if jimin is not known for showing his affection towards jungkook without worrying about anyone or anything? Talking about that cooking as if jungkook has never cooked for jimin at all?? Don't you think there's a reason why jimin keeps commenting under jungkook's recipes "cook for me when i come back" ?? Do u think he says that even thou jungkook has never cooked for him at all? Hasn't jin called jk jm's chef? So what if they film little bit of something out of their regular thing? So what if they shot one day Jikook working out with RM when they did it daily? So what if they shot jungkook cooking for jm once our of all the times he might have cooked?? Does that make those things irrelevant? Just because it was filmed once on cam?

You say you don't care about them but the fact is you wanna make negative out of most normal things. I wonder why bh never filmed jk going to RM's home to cook for him... Maybe because their friendship is different and RM might have never asked jk to do that but jimin did?? I know jk will cook for RM in a heartbeat but maybe they never filmed it because it's not as usual for namkook as it is for jikook. There's difference between their friendship and even if you love to call it company content.

I don't like these essays because it's so useless and that's why I never reply to them.

You didn't say any lie, but I didn't say any lie either. There's no point in going back and forth because there's nothing to "correct", all I said was true. Whether you like how that sounds or not, that's subjectivity and it doesn't really matter to me.

It also doesn't make sense that you say you didn't see anyone going out that much, so assume that they don't hang out. How do you know if maybe the company didn't include that footage?

Literally the same thing y'all say about jikook "just because you don't see it doesn't mean it didn't happen" could be applied to all the other ships. It could also be applied to friendships and romantic relationships they have that you will never find out about. It's so pointless and annoying to talk about stuff you don't see.

[ghoulangerlee]

a long rambly post about my very complicated feelings with sex under a read more I need to vent a bit

I think I'm old enough now to admit that sex has always been something confusing for me?? Like! I dunno. For a long time I thought I was ace but I'm not, I just have a lot of self shame that makes it hard for me to see myself as someone desirable

it took me a while to like be comfortable taking my clothes off in front of my own damn husband? I'm p sure I slept in a bra for a bit when I first moved in, too.

I thought for a while I was trans bc I had very complicated feelings about my own genitalia. I didn't like my boobs bc I could see weird men looking at them and sexualizing me when I was a teen bc I've had a big chest since I was 15.

I started writing smut bc it became a way for me to idk put myself into the shoes of a character and explore idk what I thought an ideal sexual encounter would be like.

I practically perfected how to get myself off when I was younger because I always felt like, if I have sex with anyone they're gonna focus on their own pleasure just because they're gonna figure out that penetration alone doesn't get me off and that I need something more than that. So because it's too hard to make me come, the person is just gonna focus on themselves.

Not that it mattered bc I didn't actually do anything with anyone else until I was in my late 20s, just bc I've always been awkward, strange, not sexually appealing or attractive enough for people. Fat. A lot of other very negative things.

It's hard for me to talk about this stuff out loud bc something about being inappropriately touched in the 4th grade by a classmate and having a teacher laugh in your face when you tell her...it just hurts you in a way I guess. And then the subsequent teasing it brought on by the kid who did it... It became shameful. Idk. ("See even she doesn't believe it happened because you're so ugly" lmao) And transitioned later on into me being too ashamed to talk about my wants and needs and fears out loud.

I have thankfully gotten over my complicated feelings about my bits, and I don't mind my boobs so much anymore because I'm good at wearing clothes that are slightly too big. Or unflattering. Like I would love to be one of those people who wear flattering clothes but I am simply too self conscious for it. There's like two wolves fighting in me, one wants to be hot and the other wants to be hidden lmao.

And it's like so funny that me, having written all sorts of smut over these years, have all these complicated feelings, and be unable to tell my husband exactly what I want and how I want it.

I guess that's why fiction exists lmao so I can live vicariously through characters who can say what they want and how they want it without feeling an ounce of shame.

Meanwhile if I even think about wanting to ask for something I freeze up and talk myself out of it before I can even get the words out.

Like I dunno, I was hoping 30 would bring me some sort of revelation on how to stop second guessing my needs and ask for things, but it really hasn't.

I dunno, I just felt like I needed to get this off my chest haha. But like it sucks 99% of the time because the bc shot I'm on always makes me so horny after I get it initially and I am left to suffer bc of a box I've put myself into.

#tmi.exe #personal.exe #brief mention of SA

[lonelylacexo]

INTRO: Tumblr. Hmm. Hopefully this will be a good outlet for me. Kinda like twitter. In the way that i can release my thoughts and feelings discreetly but also publicly. No one knows I have a twitter or tumblr. What to write. I have many thoughts. In this moment I’m worried. Kind of worried about the progression of my depression and anxiety. I feel its getting worse some days. More so depression. Anxiety I dont struggle with as much. It really is a disease. Something i have to catch while in the middle of it. Catch my negative disgusting thoughts. Dark, thorough intense feelings. I like to think I ponder on things heavily. I know i dont think, talk or act like a typical kud my age. I never ever have. Also been at least mature. I think about death constantly. And when I say dark thoughts, I dont mean like evil, violent or malice. Or harming anyone in any way. I mean i think about my existence. A feeling I’ve never been able to explain to anyone no mattter how hard i try. I’m used to pain. Figuring out what im going to do.

I’ve been heartbroken and running since I was born. I was born into a broken family. And when I got taken away from it, I went to another broken family. Mommy and daddy issues from the start. My birthparents acknowledge that we were spoiled and fed and financially ok. The best toys and clothes and tvs in our rooms. But was it ok to do drugs in the home, for our house to be shot up every week. To hop from friend to family member because my mother needed to snort some and needed a babysitter? To have everything we owned bought with drug money? In and out of prison? Random people passing thru our house everyday? To remember all of that? It is what it is right? Im the only one of my siblings that remembers it. I’ll never know why. Why I remember what our house looked like. Why I remember going to the market with my brother. Why I remember eating spongebob ice cream. Why I remember my mom screaming.

I’m not special. everyone has struggled, everyone has deep dark feelings. Everyone has some sort of trauma. I just happen to have a lot of it. Some of it is self inflicted, some of it could have been avoided. Majority of it couldn’t. I’ll process thru it all hopefully. Im trying at least right? Thats what matters. I’ll write all about my life. I’ll do it chronologically. Starting from my birth. Then move on to the next trauma when I feel ready to.

Last thing I wanna add before I go, is death. I briefly mentioned it. But death. D-E-A-T-H. Deeeaatthhhh. Huh. Some days i cant wait for it, some days im terrified. Terried more of the unknown and what will happen to me once I’m gone. I want to die and see if anyone would really be affected by it. See if anyone would care. Not in a pick me way just to see if I really did my job. Did my job of being the best person I could be and making a difference. I’m scared of not existing. I dont know if I believe in heaven. Well, whatever happens I’ll have to deal with right? Thats my life motto sheesh. I could go more in depth but I’ll come back to this thought later. More than anything I want to be at peace. Full contentment. Ease. Tranquility. No one knows how I feel. No one can. People can help you feel less alone, but its ludicrous to think that people can feel the exact feeling when you have gone thru different things. No person is the exact same to the next. Or maybe they do and I’m stupid. Its the depression telling me that. That im alone blah blah and no one understands. Whatever. I know I’m alone and its ok. One thing to cry and dwell about it, its another to embrace and accept it.

This is the intro. If I fulfill my dreams and wishes, then hopefully people can come back to this and find comfort and to feed their curiosity about me. If anyone really cares about my thought process and where I’m at currently. Who knows. Maybe no one will read this and that brings me peace too. Well im gonna go to bed. Sincerely, Laci

[zuko-always-lies]

Unpopular Opinion: Zuko’s treatment of Mai is deeply toxic.

Mai is a character who is often maligned in the fandom, with it even occasionally being claimed that she was “abusive” toward Zuko. Any objective analysis of Mai’s behavior in her relationship with Zuko will instead find that she was, in fact, a shockingly good romantic partner, generally treating Zuko very well and being loyal to him far beyond reasonable expectation.  Claims that Mai behaved toxically toward Zuko seem to be instead founded in misogynistic expectations that women be perfect caretakers for the men in their lives.

That is not to say that the Zuko-Mai relationship isn’t still deeply toxic. However, its toxicity stems from the manner which Zuko badly mistreats Mai, often in ways which devalue her. Much more under the cut.

Our story begins in the first half of Book 3.  The vast majority of episodes there don’t show anything particularly toxic going on in the relationship. The most you can say is that they suggest that Zuko tends to dump his problems on others and doesn’t have best understanding of his girlfriend.

However, inevitably we must turn to “The Beach,” the episode which, by far, gets the most into the Zuko-Mai relationship. To say that Zuko doesn’t behave well toward Mai in this episode would be an understatement. I don’t speak here of Zuko’s unsuccessful attempts to please Mai early in the episode, but instead how badly he starts treating her beginning at the party:

Ruon Jian: Hey, first ones here, huh? Zuko: (cut to shot of Zuko and Mai walking side by side) Pft. He thinks he's so great. (to Mai) Well, what do you think of him? (they stop walking) Mai: I don't have any opinion about him. I hardly know him. Zuko: You like him, don't you? (Mai sighs and walks away, as Zuko looks angrily in the direction of Ruon Jian. The camera zooms in on Ruon Jian)

And

(Cut to shot of Ruon Jian leaning over Mai. Zuko rushes toward them angrily and pushes Ruon Jian away from her. Cut to shot of Ruon Jian straightening his hair.) Ruon Jian: Whoa. What are you doing? Zuko: (close-up shot of Zuko, angry) Stop talking to my girlfriend! Ruon Jian: (Ruon Jian approaches Zuko) Relax, it's just a party. (Zuko pushes Ruon Jian hard, sending him flying across the room, breaking a giant vase.) Mai: (Mai stands up and grabs Zuko's shoulder. He turns towards her.) Zuko, what is wrong with you?! Zuko: What's wrong with me?! Mai: (angrily) Your temper's out of control. You blow up over every little thing. You're so impatient and hot-headed and angry. Zuko: Well, at least I feel something...as opposed to you. You have no passion for anything. (raising his arms is the air) You're just a big "blah". Mai: (turning away from him) It's over, Zuko. We're done.

 And:

(Zuko follows her and the camera pans down to the handprint, left alone on the porch. Cut to wide view of the camera panning down Ember Island Beach. Zuko and Azula are walking side by side toward Mai and Ty Lee. Close shot of Zuko looking toward Mai and then looking away. Close shot of Mai looking angry and a bit sad.) Mai: Hey... (Interrupted) Zuko: (close shot of Zuko) Where's your new boyfriend? (Mai turns away angrily. Zuko comes and sits next to her) Are you cold? (he puts his arm around her, but she slaps it away)

Zuko is acting in a massively controlling fashion toward Mai, motivated by his violent and rage-filled jealously.  She literally can’t talk to a boy without Zuko flying into a jealous rage, trying to separate her from the person she’s talking to, and accusing her of emotional infidelity. In real life, this is considered a warning sign for an abusive relationship(although I don’t think Zuko has crossed the line into abusive yet).

“The Beach” also gives us this:

Mai: Oh, well, I'm sorry I can't be as high-strung and crazy as the rest of you. (Cut to over-head shot of the four teens. Zuko walks closer to the fire and Mai.) Zuko: I'm sorry, too. I wish you would be high-strung and crazy for once, (Close shot of Mai looking away and Zuko standing over her) instead of keeping all your feelings bottled up inside. She just called your aura dingy. Are you gonna take that?

Zuko tries to provoke Mai into having a fight with her best friend Ty Lee just so he can watch her express strong emotions.  Zuko very much wants to Mai to be and act like someone she’s not, which has its own issues.

Overall, Zuko treats Mai quite poorly in “The Beach.” The episode ends with this:

Mai: I know one thing I care about... (Cut to shot of Mai smiling at Zuko) I care about you. (Mai and Zuko kiss. Azula claps, causing them to separate and turn toward Azula. The camera pans left to include her.)

Mai forgives Zuko and accepts him back without him acknowledging his behavior was wrong, apologizing for it, or giving her any guarantee that he will treat her better in the future. That’s unfortunate, as Zuko soon ends up treating her far, far worse than he ever did in this episode.

Zuko’s disregard for Mai cumulates with the manner he commits treason on the Day of Black Sun. Let us start our understanding of what he did wrong from the beginning. Breaking up with Mai via a letter which didn’t give her a real explanation was a real asshole move, but it’s not at the core of what he did wrong.  For that, we need to turn to this conversation from “The Headband”:

Zuko: Can't you see we're busy? (He and Mai resume their "business".) Azula: (not to be put off) Oh, Mai... Ty Lee needs your help untangling her braid. Mai: (complaisantly) Sounds pretty serious. (She gets up and leaves. Walking past Azula, towards the camera, she shoots the princess a quick, poisonous glance behind her back.) Azula: So...I hear you've been to visit your Uncle Fatso in the prison tower. Zuko: (standing, incensed) That guard told you. Azula: (smugly) No, you did. Just now. Zuko: (sitting back down) Okay, you caught me. What is it that you want, Azula? Azula: (solicitiously) Actually, nothing. Believe it or not, I'm looking out for you. If people find out you've been to see Uncle, they'll think you're plotting with him. Just be careful, dum-dum.

Zuko has proven his loyalty to the Fire Nation beyond doubt, yet Azula is still very worried that him spending time with Iroh will get him accused of treason, because having a close association with traitors puts oneself under almost automatic suspicion of treason.

“Day of Black Sun, Part II”:

Zuko: First of all, in Ba Sing Se, it was Azula who took down the Avatar, not me. Fire Lord Ozai: Why would she lie to me about that? Zuko: Because the Avatar is not dead. He survived. Fire Lord Ozai: (alarmed) What?!

Zuko deliberately throws Azula under the bus, hurting her and reducing her status with Ozai as much possible while effectively accusing her of deliberately committing treason. He also deliberately pisses off Ozai as much as possible.

So where does this leave us? Mai is Zuko’s known girlfriend and extremely close associate. Automatically, the suspicion of knowing of Zuko’s treason ahead of time or being involved falls upon her. She’s in grave risk of being imprisoned, tortured, or executed, especially since Ozai seems not the type to be strictly concerned with ensuring those he punishes are guilty beyond reasonable doubt. The Fire Nation seems like a society which might have collective punishment(as historical East Asian societies, Nazi Germany, and the Stalinist Soviet Union did), and Mai might be under risk from that direction.  Finally, Ozai might hurt her simply as way of retaliating against Zuko.

Normally Azula would almost certainly be able to protect her friend, even under these trying circumstances, given Azula’s prestige and accomplishments.  However, Zuko has deliberately undermined Azula as much as possible and effectively accused her of committing treason herself, dramatically reducing the probability that she will be able to protect Mai.  In fact, Mai stands risk of being accused of being involved in Azula’s effort to “conceal the fact that the Avatar survived,” given Mai’s close association with Azula and her close involvement in the events where the Avatar “died.” She’s thus under danger from two different directions.

“But Zuko had to betray his father and become good through aiding Team Avatar.” Yes, it’s a good thing he did so. But Zuko had other options than the course he adopted. He could have avoided confronting Ozai at all and instead focused on rescuing Iroh(interesting AU idea right here).  He could have confronted Ozai but not thrown Azula under the bus, and that alone would have vastly reduced the risk to Mai(and also made Zuko out to be a better person, because deliberately throwing your younger sister under the bus and then abandoning her to the mercy of your abusive father is not a good look).  Zuko could have killed Ozai right then and there during the eclipse.  He even could have tried to lead Team Avatar to the bunker and tried to end the war right then and there.

“Zuko didn’t understand that he was placing Mai in danger.” Quite possible, but Zuko being so self-centered that he is unable of understanding that his actions can have negative effects on other people is a mark against him, not for him.

Now we turn to the Zuko’s behavior toward Mai in the rest of the third season.  Let us start with “The Boiling Rock, Part 1”:

Sokka: (emphatically) I think your Uncle would be proud of you. Leaving your home to come help us, that's hard. Zuko: It wasn't that hard. Sokka: (Cut to a side view of the basket) Really? You didn't leave behind anyone you cared about? Zuko: Well I did have a girlfriend. Mai. Sokka: (He goes closer to Zuko with a surprised look on his face) That gloomy girl who sighs a lot? Zuko: (Cut back to show Zuko grinning goofily) Yeah. (his face turns serious) Everyone in the Fire Nation thinks I'm a traitor. I couldn't drag her into it. Sokka: (Cut back to Sokka who leans back on the basket) My first girlfriend turned into the Moon. Zuko: (looks up) That's rough buddy

There are two things to unpack here. First, Zuko claims he “couldn’t drag her into it,” yet he already did, as I’ve illustrated above. Second, Zuko seems to expect that Mai would have followed him into treason if he asked her, that she would be willing to betray her nation, ideology, family, and friends just for the sake of her love for him. That’s an insane and pretty toxic expectation for Zuko to have for her relationship with him, especially since he wouldn’t do the same for her.

We also get more confirmation that Zuko doesn’t care at all about Ty Lee or Azula.

I don’t have a lot to say about the Zuko-Mai conversation during Boiling Rock, Part 2. The only things I would like to note are that Zuko is not very sorry for what he did, not very empathetic toward Mai’s pain, and doesn’t give Mai a real apology for his actions.

Of course, Mai proceeds to save Zuko’s life through committing treason in front of dozens of witnesses at Boiling Rock, something which places her own life in serous jeopardy. How does Zuko react to this?

Zuko: (Cut to a shocked Zuko) It's Mai. Azula: (Cut to a furious Azula) What is she doing?! (Cut to the backs of Azula and Ty Lee as Ty Lee shrugs and makes a "I don't know" noise. Cut to the gondola as it reaches the outer part of the crater. Cut to the inside of the entrance tower as the door opens and Suki rushes out followed by Sokka, Zuko, Hakoda and Chit Sang. Hakoda turns towards Chit Sang and points to the inside of the gondola. Chit Sang proceeds to throw the warden back in.) Hakoda: (Cut to the back of Hakoda's head looking at the warden lying on the floor) Sorry Warden, your record is officially broken. (Hakoda walks off screen while the warden continues to struggle on the floor. Cut to a front shot of the group as they run up a rocky incline.) Suki: Well, we made it out. Now what? Sokka: (Sokka stops and looks back at Zuko who pauses in his tracks, thinking) Zuko, what are you doing? Zuko: My sister was on that island. Sokka: Yeah and she's probably right behind us. So let's not stop. Zuko: What I mean is she must have come here somehow. (He runs to the edge of the rocks and looks down) There. (Cut to an area looking up at the edge of the cliff) That's our way out of here. (Camera pans down to reveal a Fire Nation zeppelin docked at the shore.

Zuko says Mai’s name once and then abandons her (to die?) with zero hesitation.  This is probably objectively the correct decision. It would probably be extremely difficult and dangerous if not outright impossible to save Mai.  The prison-break crew do have access to an airship, but it’s difficult to fly an airship over the lake’s thermals.

Yet that’s not my point. Zuko abandons Mai with zero hesitation, with zero anguish, with zero angst. He doesn’t even to seem consider the possibility that he should save her.  Something tells me if Iroh had just saved Zuko’s life under identical circumstances and then was in imminent risk of harm, Zuko would act very differently, that Sokka, Suki, and Hakoda would have to drag him off that island.

Zuko’s complete disregard for Mai continues for the rest the series. Remember this exchange from “The Cave of Two Lovers”?

Zuko: (losing his patience) We're not taking any more chances with these plants! We need to get help. Iroh: But where are we going to go? We're enemies of the Earth Kingdom, and fugitives from the Fire Nation. Zuko: (musingly) If the Earth Kingdom, discovers us, they'll have us killed. Iroh: But if the Fire Nation discovers us, we'll be turned over to Azula.

Zuko considers being captured by Azula a worse fate than death!

But do we see Zuko worry once about Mai’s fate? Do we see angst about what might have happened to her? Do we see him make any effort to even discover her fate, much less rescue her?

No. In fact, Zuko launches a sophisticated operation to infiltrate a Fire Nation information center so that he can gain intelligence in order to help Katara murder someone so that she’ll like him, but he doesn’t even consider doing the same to find out about Mai’s fate so that he could potentially rescue her. Zuko doesn’t even mention Mai once after Boiling Rock until the very end of the series finale, even though she sacrificed herself to save him. Remember this exchange(“Sozin’s Comet, Part 3”):

Zuko: Sorry, but you're not going to become Fire Lord today. (jumps off Appa) I am. Azula: (laughs) You're hilarious. Katara: (standing beside Zuko) And you're going down. (The fire sage motions to crown Azula, but she raises her hand, signalling him to stop.) Azula: Wait. You want to be Fire Lord Fine. Let's settle this. Just you and me, brother. The showdown that was always meant to be. Agni Kai! Zuko: You're on. (Katara turns to Zuko, surprised. Cut to a close up of Azula's lips as the curls into a smile. Cut back to Katara and Zuko.) Katara: What are you doing? She's playing you. She knows she can't take us both so she is trying to separate us. Zuko: I know. But I can take her this time. Katara: But even you admitted to your Uncle that you would need help facing Azula. Zuko: There's something off about her, I can't explain it but she's slipping. And this way, no one else has to get hurt. (Fade to a shot of the courtyard from the side. The camera pans from Zuko kneeling on the right end to Azula kneeling on the left end. Cut to a shot of Zuko rising and turning around, then cut to a shot of Azula rising. Each can be seen behind the other. Cut to a shot of Azula from the front turning and removing the Fire Lord robes.) Azula: I'm sorry it has to end this way, brother. Zuko: (in his stance) No, you're not.

Notice something? Zuko doesn’t demand to know what happened to Mai! It’s almost like he forgot she existed!

Now we turn to the final infamous exchange(“Sozin’s Comet, Part 4”):

Mai:(off screen) You need some help with that? (He looks up surprised and moves aside to reveal Mai leaning against the doorway. Cut to a close up of Mai as she walks towards Zuko.) Zuko: (Cut to a delighted Zuko) Mai! (Walks off screen) You're ok. (Cut to an area behind Mai's back as Zuko opens his arms out in a hug) They let you out of prison? (Mai walks behind Zuko and lifts up his empty robe sleeve.) Mai: My uncle (Zuko puts his arms through the sleeve) pulled some strings, (she proceeds to fasten his robe) and it doesn't hurt when the new Fire Lord is your boyfriend. (She walks in front of Zuko and places a hand on his chest) Zuko: So does this mean you don't hate me anymore? Mai: (she blushes) I think it means... (Cut to a close up of the couple) I actually (places a hand on Zuko's cheek) kind of like you. (They lean in for a kiss and part a fewseconds later, looking into each other's eyes happily) But don't ever (She jabs a finger into Zuko's shoulder and Zuko's eye traces the movement of her finger) break up (She lifts her finger into the air and Zuko's eyes still follows it) with me again. (She jabs her finger into Zuko's shoulder one last time and Zuko smiles goofily. They embrace and the camera zooms out slowly.

Zuko seems surprised to learn that Mai is OK, almost like he made no effort to find out her fate once he took charge of the Fire Nation. And indeed, his first acts as leader of the Fire Nation were not to find out what happened to her or, if he actually knew, to get her released from prison.  Mai only got released from prison when her uncle and his connections got sufficiently confident that Zuko had been completely accepted as the new leader to release a massive traitor completely on their own initiative.  This was quite possibly weeks after Azula-Zuko Agni Kai, yet he made no apparent effort to get her released. It’s almost like Zuko completely forgot about Mai, even though she sacrificed herself to save him.

And, of course, Zuko doesn’t accept responsibility for any of the awful ways he treated Mai, much less apologize to her or offer any guarantee he will behave better in the future. Mai still forgives him anyways, just like she did in “The Beach,” only for Zuko to continue to screw her over. There is something deeply depressing here, as there’s every reason to believe that Zuko will screw over Mai over, devalue her, and disregard her well-being, desires, and interests again the moment it’s convenient for him to do so. He certainly has not recognized that his toxic behavior here is something he needs to stop doing. Ironically, the comics get this right by having Zuko try to use his power as Firelord to order Mai to stay his girlfriend.

Ultimately, Zuko loves Mai and cares about her deeply, yet he still treats her as a tool and acts like she exists to serve him. It reminds me how show! canon Ozai genuinely loved show! canon Ursa, but still used her as a tool and threw her away.  Honestly, I doubt 16-year-old Zuko is really ready for any romantic relationship at all, given his often toxic behavior, his trauma, and the incredibly stressful position he’s placed in at the end of the series.

#Azula #Zuko #Mai #Ty Lee #Dangerous Ladies #Ozai #Zuko meta #ATLA meta #meta #Unpopular opinion

[outrunningthedark]

I definitely think it’s a possibility for Lucy to get her own show and for it being her like I guess overcoming her family and showing she can handle punishment for her wrongdoings and can be her own person and whatnot

But I also think because of the interviews and them doing those so soon especially with the first episode we see her in (the first episode of 5b) also just put them in a bad spot where if no one warms up to her throughout the rest of the episodes it’s just not gonna happen. They didn’t make anyone like her, they just made people dislike her more and more.

Not even for buddie. It’s because she genuinely got the attitude of a cocky person who thinks and is saying she’s here to stay. Her character is part of a cheating plot that no one wanted even if we didn’t like TayKay. She’s already shown to be reckless and put others in danger.

If they want people to warm up to her soon they’ll need to fix this and fast

Hey, nonnie! I hope you're having a peaceful weekend! 💕 I think the cheating storyline COULD have been received better if KR, AK, *and* Oliver didn't decide the best course of action was to make it about Buck's lack of feelings for TayKay and make sure the audience knew BL would still be dealing with ~sexual tension~ even after Lucy finds out about her coworker's gf. As I said not too long ago, the fandom is giving more excuses as to why Buck behaved that way than the people who came up with/carried out the scene. And then we had KR/AK talking about how Lucy & TayKay weren't going to meet "yet", meaning this soapy-ish entanglement just might be getting dragged out even longer for the sake of drama. (I've heard that the news van has been around on set in the later episodes? So even if BT is bones at the of 5x13, there will be some sort of awkwardness in the future? Maybe?) I honestly think KR (and AK and Oliver) thought Buck's infidelity would be shrugged off because fans were BEGGING for TayKay to go and if this is how it had to happen...so be it! But they also seem to have forgotten that a lot of viewers didn't want Lucy to be brought in as a romantic partner of any kind because, in their minds, a man and woman who aren't canonically gay are bound to get together. It's what the average viewer expects to see! 🙄 I have different theories in my brain for why AK was allowed to speak about her character's future throughout 5B - KR wanted to promote the storyline SHE built // the hope was that if they teased Lucy's storyline the fans would clamor for more of her // AK is in talks to star in a third series and is speaking as someone who believes her spot in the 911verse is secure no matter where she works - but the bottom line is that she gave two interviews *with* Kristen, and when the showrunner who brought you on board is trotting you out in front of a reporter...why wouldn't you think it means good things re: your time on the show? I don't know anything about what AK was like before booking this job, but KR's approach would probably give anyone an inflated sense of self, IMO. TPTB appear to have heard the backlash almost immediately after 5x11 and those first couple of interviews. Four days after the 5B premiere, AK goes from talking about BL's flirty behavior to assuring the fans that everything her character does is not about Buck. She hasn't spoken since. The folks behind the scenes, meanwhile, are suddenly careful to avoid any *obvious* shots of her in promos (besides what we saw prior to 5x11) so we don't really know when she's gonna pop up again, and the content with her on set has been damn near nonexistent in the aftermath of the kiss - just the one video/pic of her with the harness on for a rope rescue in the finale, I believe? It's a copy/paste of how BT was handled after the GP reacted negatively to the make out scene in the 5x01 sneak peek. In a way, I take this as a "good sign", because it shows *someone* in charge actually does care about public perception and just might switch up some things in the editing room - we already saw it happen during the Speed-esque rescue when the "looks like they're gonna kiss" moment was cut, and that was BEFORE people decided how they felt about her, so...the possibility is even stronger now, tbh. Idk about "warming up to her", but I think the only way people move past their negativity in the immediate future is if Buck acknowledges he should have never gotten involved with her because it turned him into a person he didn't want to be (again) and KR sends her self-insert away (like, outside of L.A. away) to emphasize that there is physical distance between the two moving forward. Here's hoping! 🥂

#y'all got me TALKING today i am so sorry #anonymous #tina speaks #anti lucy donato #anti bucklucy

[spidernerdsblog]

Match made in Hell : Chapter Twelve

A/N : Chapter twelve is here. Ah only one more chapter left. Hope you like this chapter. Let me know what you think.

Pairing : Mob! Tom Holland x Reader

Summary : you always wanted a simple life but to be born as the daughter of a dangerous mobster turned out to be a curse for you. Everything changes when your father gets your lover killed and forcefully marries you off to another mobster as a part of a deal. You hate your father and your husband the only thing you seek is now revenge. Will you ever be able to fall in love again or this burning hatred inside you will consume you?

Warnings : fluff, pregnancy, misogyny, mention of blood, violence, language, missed typos.

SERIES MASTERLIST

“What's wrong?” Vanessa looks at you questioningly.

“I think I might have had skipped for a couple of days,” you admit, scrunching your nose.

“Can you be less vague? Cause I’m not getting it” she deadpans as you scowl at her for not getting your implication.

“Okay so I got shot a month ago I hope you remember that. I was on medication right? Well a lot of medications actually” you half shrug “so with all that going on I may or may not have forgotten to take the pills during that time and we got caught up in the moment at one time and things just happened you know”

“Well you guys are literal horndogs I have no doubt in that” she rolls her eyes “but you need to take the test” she states out to you.

“What? Now?” you looked at her stunned.

“Yes and right now” she stresses on her words.

“But I don't have any test kits at this moment” you mutter

“Then I'll ask someone to get them from the store”

“No! don’t tell anyone especially the boys” you give her a panicked look and Vanessa scoffs.

“OK relax I'll go and get it for you” saying so she left immediately. It took half an hour for Vanessa to make a trip round to the store as you waited for her in your room anxiously.

“Here” she hands you the pregnancy test kit. You nibble on to your bottom lip glancing back and forth between the box and her face.

“C'mon go on” she urged you on. You finally stood up and went inside the bathroom. Closing the door behind you let out a deep sigh taking one last glance at the box before opening it. After reading the instructions carefully you proceeded to do accordingly. When you were done you placed the stick on the marble counter and opened the door for Vanessa to come in.

“Done” you inform her.

“OK, now we wait,” she says, glancing at her watch. Five minutes appeared to be five years for you as you paced back and forth while Vanessa chewed on her nails leaning on the counter in anticipation.

“OK it’s time” she announces and you feel your heartbeat quicken. You took a deep breath and stepped forward to have a look but immediately backed off feeling anxious.

“Oh god I can't look at it” you wrap your arms around yourself.

“What?” Vanessa looks at you puzzled.

“You check it for me please I can’t” you gave her an earnest look.

“You're so dramatic” she rolls her eyes and goes to check the result and falls silent taking the test in hand.

“What? What is it?” you ask impatiently.

“Negative” she answers.

“Negative? Really?” you weren't convinced with the result as you looked at her with doubt in your eyes.

“Yeah” she confirms again.

“Oh that's a relief heh” you chuckle lightly “I told you before only it's just a stomach bug”

“You're upset that it's negative, aren’t you?” Vanessa gives you a knowing look.

“What? No I mean… yeah a little it wouldn't be bad you know but nevermind” you fiddle with your hands fumbling on your words.

“So you wanted a baby?” she raises her eyebrows questioningly.

“I mean yeah I love kids and wouldn't mind one of my own specially if it’s a cute little version of my husband running around the house on his little feet” you expressed your little desire.

“You sure?” she reasserts, raising her eyebrows as the corner of her mouth picks into a smile.

“Yeah but it doesn't matter anyways cause the test is negative as you said” you shrugged letting off the thought.

“Well then good news sissy it's actually positive” Vanessa smiles at you widely and you were taken aback.

“What?! You serious?” she nods, holding out the stick in front of you to see it yourself.

“Oh my god you bitch!” you gasp “who's dramatic now huh?” you scowl, hitting her arm lightly.

“Ow! At least I helped you figure out what you actually feel about the whole thing” she places her hands on your shoulders “congratulations sister you’re gonna have a baby!”

“I’m gonna have a baby” you repeat that to yourself. You still couldn’t believe that this was happening as you placed a hand gently over your stomach

“And I'm going to be an aunt. I’m so happy for you guys” she hugs you tightly but soon your face drops as you pull away from her with a worried expression.

“What happened? Why again the gloomy face?” Vanessa nudges you.

“I don’t want my baby to be part of this bloodshed. I have been trying to run away from this and here I’m again pushing my child right into that same hell hole” you rant with tears in your eyes.

“I think you need to first talk to Tom and then make a decision. You understand?” you nod “everything will be fine don’t worry” she pulls you in her embrace comforting you.

It was almost a week that you got to know you were pregnant but still you couldn’t break the news to Tom, you just didn’t have the nerves to do it yet.

****

You stood by the mirror glancing at your reflection though there wasn’t a visible bump but you still rubbed your hand over your belly. The thought of a life growing inside made your heart swell with warmth. Somehow you felt more livelier than you have ever been a certain glow emanating through your features. Maybe this is what people meant by pregnancy glow. You felt happy and content from inside out, you felt complete as if you had found the missing piece of your life. But you still had to tell Tom and the only person you could think of for some advice was your mom as you finally called her.

“Hi sweetie” your mother’s sweet voice comes from the other end.

“Hey mom”

“So what reminds my daughter about her old mother?” she snickers.

“Mom! you really think that I called for another favor” you grimace.

“Well you don't call much for me to think otherwise”

“C'mon mom you know my situation with dad”

“Yeah, yeah I'm just messing with you now, what’s the matter? you sound stressed” she observed.

“I... just really miss you” you sigh

“Sweetie, is everything alright?” she asks with concern.

“Yeah just wanted to hear your voice that’s all”

“I'm your mother Y/N, I can totally feel that something is bothering my little girl?”

“Mom, can I ask you something?” you say taking a deep breath.

“Anything honey”

“Were you scared when you first came to know that you were pregnant with me?”

“What?”

“I mean to say that I was totally unplanned and for my sake you had to marry that man so were you scared thinking about what your future will be in a crime family?”

“Well honestly I had little choice in that matter. I was stuck in the middle of the rivalry so in order to keep you safe I married him. But honey the day I held you in my arms all my fears went away. The only thing I know is that I can spend the rest of my life looking at you. You were never a mistake you were the best gift given to me”

“That's nice to hear” you smile

“But why after so many years you are bringing this up?”

“Nothing I just have somethings in my mind going on right now and it feels a lot” you try to shrug it off.

“Sweetie, what are you hiding from me?” she prods.

“Nothing mom I swear!” you exclaim.

“I know very well what this ‘nothing mom’ means c'mon tell me”

“Well I'm pregnant” you inform as you hear her gasp.

“What?! Oh my god I can't believe my ears, is this really true? This isn’t a prank right? Like you used to do when you were little”

“No mom it isn’t a prank” you reassure her lightly chuckling.

“Oh god I'm so happy for you honey. My little girl is going to be a mom herself? When did she grow so big?” she shrieks eyes welling up in happiness “Does Tom know?”

“Not yet” you inform.

“Not yet? Why what's wrong? Does he not want it?”

“No it’s nothing like that… actually I myself don’t know. This just happened so suddenly though I was thrilled initially but now I’m worried actually scared I-I don't think I will be a good mother. I mean my life is already a mess. I don't want to give this life to my child. They don't deserve this”

“Listen to me Y/N no one is perfect even I made mistakes too and that’s how we learn. How much ever you want to plan your life Y/N, it will always have a way of surprising you with unexpected things that will make you happier than you originally planned” she makes you understand “Tom is a nice guy I’m sure he’ll always be by your side. And I know my girl too and how much strong she is you have got this Y/N just believe in yourself and Tom”

“Thanks mom really needed to hear this from you”

“Anytime honey now take some rest and then tell everything to Tom, speak to you soon, love you”

“Love you too mom” you end the call feeling lighthearted as if a weight has been lifted off your chest. You grew up in a very dysfunctional family which made you yearn for a perfect happy family and when you have finally got it you’re not going to let anything mess it up at any cost.

****

The basement of your mansion was kind of Tom’s personal hell. He had particularly made it to held people captive for whoever dared to cross him and torture them to death. You were actually never allowed down there but today you got to join him. As you approached the room in the basement you heard screams and groans of a man in pain. Tom opened the door and you both stepped inside to find Ethan tied up in a chair beaten mercilessly barely conscious groaning in pain. His body was pale and face bruised with a black eye, nose bleeding, jaw swollen from the right temple down the cheek. Harrison was standing in front of him in a black tank top and jeans all worked up heaving in anger as you noticed his bloody knuckles. Two other lackeys were also present to help him with the interrogation.

“Haz anything so far?” Tom asks, lighting up a cigarette.

“Nothing till now this bastard won't speak up” he mutters, grabbing a fistful of Ethan’s silky black hair and tugging it harshly. Tom stalks towards him and bents down blowing the smoke on his face

“Well mate you have to speak up some or the other time” he smirks with a condescending tone.

“Over my dead body” Ethan grits under his teeth glaring at him.

“Sooner or later you are gonna end up dead anyways but not before you tell us everything you know about the rest of the viper gang”

“You think you can torture me to disclose everything” he snickers weakly “nah you have got the wrong man dude. You gotta do lot more than this”

“You know what Ethan? I'm not good with patience so the sooner you speak up the sooner you get your sweet death”

“And I think I’ve got the time of the world” he laughs tauntingly “why don’t you ask your wife to do it? Maybe she can seduce everything out of me like the pathetic whore she is” he slurs at you with a mocking tone. Tom clenches his jaw as his hands balled into tight fists and in no time he lands a punch right at his jugular as he coughs up blood.

“Watch your bloody mouth!” Tom growls, grabbing him by his collar “you really don’t know how tempted I am to cut you into pieces one by one as I watch you slowly bleed to death” he mutters, looking at him with malice in his eyes.

The scene in front of you wasn’t that pleasant though you’re used to it but with the raging pregnancy hormones everything seemed heightened for you. The room began to feel stuffy as you found it difficult to breathe adding to that the raunchy putrid smell of blood mixed with the smell of nicotine in the room swept through your nose which made your stomach churn and you tasted bile. The urge to throw up grew strong for you to hold it any longer. You grabbed your mouth, letting out a muffled "excuse me" you ran upstairs to your room.

“Y/N?” Tom lets go of Ethan and calls you back worriedly as everyone’s attention turns to you.

“You go check I can handle this” Harrison assures exchanging glances with Tom as he nodded and sprinted off to your bedroom. He finds the bathroom locked as he hears gagging noises from inside.

“Y/N, love you alright?” He knocks on the door

“Yeah I'm fine” you answer before throwing up again. When you were sure that there’s nothing left for you to throw up you stepped out of the bathroom face flushed and exhausted. Tom hastily went to hold your hand.

“Oh my god are you ok?” he gasps lightly

“Yes Tom I’m fine don’t worry” you tell him

“You don't look fine to me” he drapes a hand around your shoulders and slowly walks you towards the bed and makes you sit down.

“Tom it's ok”

“Y/N we need to go see a doctor now” he insists.

“No, no it’s fine a little rest will be enough for me”

“I’m not listening to anything, wait I-I’m calling the doctor at home only” he fumbles pulling out his phone from his pocket to make a call.

“Tom, relax! It's totally normal in the first months of pregnancy” you exclaim

“What?!” Tom frowns as your eyes go wide realizing your slip up  “Did you just say pregnancy?” he reiterates.

“Yes” you sigh standing up “I'm pregnant….with our child” you reveal placing your hand over your belly and Tom’s expression changed into a mix of shock and happiness.

“What? You're serious? You-you aren't kidding right?”

“Do I seem to be in the state of joking?” you raise your eyebrows unamused.

“Yeah, yeah right” he mumbles to himself as he processes the news and soon after excitement takes over him “Oh god Y/N this is such great news!” He lifts you up and does a little spin.

“Oh my god Tom put me down!” you squeal

“Oh I’m sorry” he puts you down “I’m just so excited. When did you get to know?”

“A week ago” you said meekly.

“And you didn't tell me? Why?” you felt a little intimidated under his questioning gaze. Even before you could say something he made his own assumption.

“Wait, you don't want this, is that why?” he looks at you with dreaded eyes

“No, No, no that's not what it is?” you shake your head vigorously in disapproval “you have got it all wrong”

“Then what is it Y/N?” he asks you softly.

“It's actually the opposite. I was just scared as it was totally unplanned and with all this going on with my father you are already tensed. I wasn’t sure how you would react” you rambled.

“Oh darling” he breathes out cupping your face gently with his broad hands “you don't know today you have made me the happiest man on this fucking world. This is everything I wanted honey. You, me and our perfect little happy family” you smiled at him as he carefully placed his hands on your belly.

“How far are you? Is everything normal? Are you both ok?” he badgered you with questions.

“I... actually thought you would come with me on my first checkup” you looked at him bashfully “it's-it's just I wanted you to be there with me if you aren't too busy”

“Of course love, no work is more important than you and my little one” he beams with joy. Tom didn’t waste a second to call at the hospital to schedule your appointment.

“Mr. and Mrs. Holland” the nurse calls out

“Yes?” you both respond standing up from your seats.

“Dr. Martin is ready to see you” she informs and leads you inside the room.

“Please lie down” she instructs and you follow by lying down on the examination chair while Tom sits on the chair beside you. The nurse then leaves the room and soon after the doctor arrives. She was a middle aged woman and looked quite experienced as she greeted you warmly.

“Hello Mrs. Holland, I’m Dr. Martin”

“Hello doctor” you smiled courteously.

“So how are you feeling today?”

“I feel fine, doctor, just a little bit tired...” you were quickly cut off by Tom

“No doctor she got really sick and nauseous the other day” he puts forth his concern.

“Morning sickness is normal at this time Mr. Holland. There’s nothing to worry about” she reassures him.

“See?” you whisper with a knowing glare. Tom still wasn’t convinced but let it go for now.

“Ready to have a first look at your baby?” she asks cheerfully as you nod, lifting your shirt up. She rubbed the cool gel on your lower stomach while Tom held your hand tightly. Then she switches the monitor on and runs the tool on your belly. A hazy black and white image appears on the screen as the room fills with the rhythmic beeping of heartbeat. You and Tom stare at the monitor in awe.

“You see right here?” the doctor points at the middle of the screen with a pen.

“Awww that's our baby” you squeeze Tom's hand gently, a stray tear of joy rolls down your cheek. Tom was himself brimming with emotions, he knelt down and kissed your forehead with adoration as you noticed London’s most feared mobster’s eyes wet.

“I can already pick the heartbeats” she reveals further as you both give her a puzzled look.

“Heartbeats? As in plural” Tom asked in shock.

“Yeah two heartbeats” she confirms “you're going to have twins Mrs. Holland” she adds. You gasped and smiled instantly feeling giddy and overwhelmed at the news.

“We're gonna have twins” you looked up at him with a sparkle in your eyes.

“Yes we are, love” a wide smile spread across his face “you gotta admit I did a really good job in there though” he whispers cockily and there he was back again in his usual self.

“Tom!” you glared, squeezing his hand tightly.

“Ow! Sorry, sorry” he chuckles when you both were interrupted as Dr Martin began to speak again.

“You are approximately 8 weeks and all parameters seem to be normal. The babies are growing fine, nothing to worry about. After 10 weeks we can identify the genders” she elucidates “But you have to be extra careful as you are a new mom and with twins. Everything will be doubled for you so maintaining a proper diet, getting a good amount of sleep is very important. No heavy lifting and most importantly no stress at all as it directly affects the babies. The expectant mother should always be happy” she advises.

“We’ll keep that in mind doc thank you so much” Tom acknowledges her.

“Well then I’ll see you on your next check up. Do you want the prints of the ultrasound?”

“Yes please” you both said together.

“Ok I’ll get it right away”

On the way back home the whole ride Tom kept rambling about how everything needed to be baby proofed and keep everything ready as if you are going to labor tomorrow itself. He even suggested that he shift your bedroom downstairs so that you don’t have to climb up the stairs. You had to literally ask him to shut up and relax that you have seven more months to go.

****

You were about to get off the bed when Tom came in with a huge tray of food.

“Good morning love” he went and sat in front placing the tray on his lap as you looked at the amount of food which was double than you usually have.

“What's all this Tom?” you ask frowning.

“Breakfast in bed”

“I can see that but is this a breakfast for a giant? What's with these enormous portions?” you pointed out.

“If I may remind you, you are now eating for three so you have to eat accordingly”

“In no way I'm going to eat that much” you stated firmly

“But darling…”

“Nope, not happening. I said no means no” you shake your head side to side “I don’t want to get fat because after a few I’m gonna be all big and round anyways and then you wouldn't look at me” your hormones getting the best of your insecurities as you rambled without much thinking.

“Hey look at me” he holds your chin between his index and thumb fingers making you look at him “you seriously think that? You. will. always. be. the prettiest woman for me do you understand?” he asks as you nod “I bet you are going to be the most beautiful mom. Our kids are lucky to have a fearless, confident woman like you as their mother” he says looking deep into your eyes “and I can’t wait to see you all big and round” he adds smiling.

“But I’m still not gonna eat all of it”

“Ok you can eat as much you can no pressure” he assures you as you take the fruit bowl in your hand and start to munch on the fruits one by one going into a deep thought.

“Now what is going on in that mind of yours?” he asks breaking you out of your thoughts.

“I think we should tell everyone I mean your mom and dad then the boys they would be thrilled to know”

“So you wanna invite them over lunch?” he offers.

“Yeah that will be really nice”

****

Tom’s family arrived on time, after lunch all of you gathered in the living room as you and Tom stood in the middle. Everyone looked at you both expectantly though Tom’s dad had a disinterested look like all times.

“Sorry for the short notice but this was kind of important and we were really excited to share this news with you” you started.

“Did the police catch your father?” Harry asks out of nowhere

“That would have been really nice but unfortunately no”

“Then what is it?” Harrison asks impatiently.

“Well….we’re pregnant” you both announce.

“What?!” everyone collectively gasped.

“Is it true?” Nikki looked between you two

“Yes mum” Tom confirms bashfully wrapping a hand around your waist and pulling you closer.

“Oh my god this is such good news” she gets up to you and takes your hands in hers “I’m so happy for you” she cradles the side of your face lovingly.

“Finally I'm going to get to see the face of my grandson, my heir. That's some good news after all huh” Tom’s dad remarks with gruff in his voice as Nikki looks at you apologetically.

“Actually dad, we're going to have twins,” Tom added.

“Well that’s good, can't wait to meet my grandsons as they’re going to take over our business in future” he said still emphasizing on having a son and honestly neither you nor Tom wanted your twins to join the mob.

“Oh dear now that’s something big” Nikki tries to lighten the mood “I remember when I was with Harry and Sam it was a lot of cravings and mood swings get ready for it Tom” she snickers as she starts to give you some helpful tips to make everything a little easier for you as this is your first time.

“Congratulations bro” Harrison goes and hugs Tom tightly.

“Thanks man”

“So I’m gonna be the godfather I assume?” he asks.

“Well we’re yet to decide that” Tom snickers.

“What? C’mon man I’m your best friend and I’m going to be the godfather, that’s final. I know Y/N is still angry at me which by the way is your fault but I’ll manage her” he states confidently

“Good luck with that,” Tom laughs. Everyone left after sometime leaving you both all by yourselves in your house. Tom turns to smiling.

“What?” you ask.

“Close your eyes,” he says.

“Why?” you look at him skeptically

“You still don’t trust me don’t you?”

“No” you quip with a smirk.

“Just close your eyes please I have something to show to you” he pouts with puppy eyes

“Okay” you close your eyes “happy?”

“Yes now come with me”

“Where are you taking me?” you ask again.

“You’ll see soon” he takes your hand and carefully guides you up the stairs. He brings you in front of a room with a large wooden door and slowly clicks the door open.

“Now open your eyes” he whispers softly into your ears. You flutter your eyes open to be awestruck as you look inside the room. It was a nursery for your twins. You looked at everything with wide eyes, two twin cribs situated in the middle with cute plushies in it, the walls painted in soft pastel gender neutral shades, the lighting of the room well coordinated making it look warm and cozy. An armchair for you to take rest.

“How is it?” Tom's voice breaks you out of your thoughts.

“Tom, it’s-it’s beautiful” you breathe out “but when did you?” you looked at him quizzical

“Well as soon as you told me I called in some favors and had this room renovated” he reveals to you.  

“It's-it's really beautiful Tom” you walked further into the room towards the cribs. Brushing your hand over the wooden railings you picked up the baby towel and rubbed it against your cheek feeling the soft texture.

“Sorry I don't have much idea about all this stuff, I just tried my best to make it as comfortable for you three. If you want anything else just tell me I'll get it done” he says scratching the back of his neck.

“Tom, it's perfect. You did a great job. I love it” you take his hand and place it over your belly “and they are gonna love it too” you reassure him.

“I installed a music system too” he adds, turning on the music as he wraps his hands around your waist and sways gently to the music “it's said that listening to calming music helps during this time”

“Someone has been busy reading I see” you tease.

“Well I just want to be there for you guys” he shrugs nonchalantly.

“Aww where did this softy come from? What did you do to my terrifying ruthless mobster husband?” you joke laughing.

“Haha very funny” he scoffs when you finally notice the lyrics of the song.

“Is this our wedding song?” you ask with a knowing smile.

“Yep”

I know you haven't made your mind up yet But I would never do you wrong I've known it from the moment that we met No doubt in my mind where you belong

“Did I ever tell you how bloody gorgeous you looked that day? Just like an angel from the heavens”

“Oh shut up!” you blushed, hitting his chest playfully.

“What? I’m serious” he laughs “couldn’t take my eyes off you”

“Well you didn’t look bad either” you snicker resting your head on his chest “that was such a long time ago isn’t it?”

“Hmm” he hums

“If anybody had told me that we will end up like this I would have never believed it at all” you chuckle at the memories of the numerous heated arguments you had with each other. But now you find solace in each other's arms.

“We have come a long way” he sighs as you feel him tense under you. Something was still bothering him, you knew it for sure.

“Wanna sit down?” you posed

“No it’s fine I’m not tired”

“Well I am pregnant with twins you know heh” he lets go of you and you go and sit on the floor near the cribs back resting against them. You pat on the empty spot beside you urging him to sit down too. He comes and sits down tilting his head on your shoulder as you run your fingers through his soft brown curls.

“I needed to say something to you” he finally lets out.

“Go on I’m listening”

“Don't mind my dad's words I don't care if they are girls or boys I just want you three to be healthy and safe” he says as you go to kiss his forehead lovingly “If you ask me personally I would be thrilled to have two mini Y/Ns” he add.

“Careful what you wish for Mr. Holland you don’t want thrice the trouble do you?” you chuckle.

“Gladly Mrs. Holland” he laughs before turning all gloomy again “do you think they would like me?”

“You are their father Tom they would always love you”

“But what if they don't? What if they hate me when they come to what kind of man their dad is and everything he has done in his life?” he rambles.

“Tom as the eldest son you didn't have a choice they would surely understand” you try your best to make him understand.

“I don't know Y/N, you know my dad wasn't that present for us. It was just us and mum. And when time came all of a sudden I was accompanying him killing people and beating them to death. I want to change that I want to be there for them, for you in every step of your life and most importantly I don’t want that life for them” he rants out.

“Honey, you wanting to do things right has already made you the best father in the world. They are gonna be so proud of their daddy” you cradle his face affectionately.

“You know what, I'm going to stop doing all the illegal trades” he blurts out.

“What do you mean?” you frown at him.

“Means no more shark loaning, extortion, gambling, contract killing everything, everything that's against the laws. I have already made a lot of enemies” he places a hand on your stomach “and I'm not gonna let them inherit this curse too. I need to cut off my ties with the underworld”

“But what about your dad I don't think he would agree with and your brothers then Harrison?”

“Dad will be angry I'm sure of that but Harrison, Sam and Harry would understand. I want to make sure that you all are safe and no more hiding skeletons in the closet” he gives you a determined look as you smile.

“Do whatever is necessary I'll always be there by your side cause I love you”

“I love you too” he says back as your lips meet softly into a chaste kiss.

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true Nothing that I wouldn't do Go to the ends of the Earth for you To make you feel my love To make you feel my love

****

You woke up the next morning hearing some commotion outside your room. You could hear Tom yelling at his men judging by the tone he was furious.

“What?!” he was shocked “how did this happen?! And what were you morons doing at that time?!”

“Sir-sir” the men stuttered in fear.

“I don't want to hear a fucking word from your mouths! Go and find him now or I'll kill you” he threatens “now get out of my sight!” meanwhile, you slip off the bed and put on your robe before stepping out of your room.

“Tom is everything alright” you ask with a worried expression.

“Oh I'm sorry darling did I wake you up? It’s nothing, go back to sleep there will be no more disturbance” he pretends to act like everything is ok.

“Tom, stop lying, what is it? What has happened?” you enquire.

“Nothing darling I promise” he tries his best to convince you but you weren’t buying any of it.

“You're not gonna tell me? fine! I'll go and find out myself” you glower at him.

“Y/N no wait you” he stops you, catching hold of your hand.

“Then tell me what it is?” you demand with a serious look on your face.

“Ethan escaped”

..................................................................................

Taglist in bio.

#tom holland #tom holland imagines #tom holland smut #tom holland fluff #tom holland x reader #tom holland x you #tom holland x y/n #mob! tom holland #mob! tom

[extemely-thoughtful-person]

Chapter 6 predictions #4 or 5: The True victims of the next Chapter, and almost everything on the Shrouds Overblot. (Bonus Theory regarding RSA's system of Operations)

I'm back from the dead, everyone!!!

I took some time off of writing predictions and theories to think about more possibilities for the upcoming chapter. All Ignihyde stans and students are waiting for their beloved dorm leader to finally get therapy. And I believe that time is just around the corner.

So to kick things off the edge, let's talk about the true victims of Chapter 6.

Main challenge but not enemies

In the past, we've seen in the chapter previews that there is something sinister afoot. From planning homicide to trying to enslave whole dorms or oppress certain students, all sorts of things have been planned by dorm leader and vice dorm leader alike.

But for the current chapter preview, we didn't get any tell or foreshadowing of a sinister event or nefarious plan. Instead, we got a small celebration of a successful plan, followed by a rejection of the prizes that followed (with a hint of depression at the end). What exactly does this mean?

The Shrouds are the victims of Chapter 6. Now you're all screaming "yeah, what did you expect?!" at me, but there's more to the situation than you think. It's not just a victimizing of the past (which is most likely family problems at this point), but also the present. Because here's a little clue for you: if we're matching up the events of the Hercules movie and Chapter 6, the main story hasn't even started yet. Remember that at the beginning of Hercules the Titans were already imprisoned, and if Ortho is based off of the Titans, and he has yet to be captured by the OTC, then technically, the conflict between company and dorm begins with the imprisonment of Ortho Shroud.

The main plot is going to be Idia trying to live without his brother. And knowing Idia's mental health, this isn't going to go well. But don't worry, it doesn't start like that right away.

But there's still a massive problem with the separation of the Shrouds.

A new kind of Overblot

Any observant theorist can tell you that in Idia's ceremonial robes outfit, his pen is missing. Theories big and small have all stated a similar fact: Idia's gem is the thing powering Ortho's magic and Ortho in general (because we never see the multiple Ortho gears flying around at the same time). At first I was hesitant to believe that, but now I think that this is a fact. And there is evidence in the game to prove this:

We have never, not even in personal stories or events, seen Idia use any kind of magic.

And in battles, he uses the dorm leader wand. He never uses a pen, and we've never seen him cast any kind of magical spells. We've only seen him use technology instead.

On the contrary, Ortho has been seen firing powerful blast's of magical energy. Ortho does have magic as far as we've seen. Sure, it's not a particular spell, but remember, a spell is basically a magical command. And technology uses commands all the time.

So, what does this mean for the Overblot?

That warning from coach Vargus in the camping event wasn't just a warning, but a foreshadow. Idia doesn't use magic at all because he knows the risks. Unless Ortho is close by, he would never risk casting a spell. (And from what I've gathered from the recent Bean's day event, Idia would never fight a battle that he knew he couldn't win.) Idia doesn't take risks unless the odds are in his favor.

But if he doesn't use magic, then how will he Overblot? Simple answer.

I'd like to take this time to officially bet on Idia's unique magic. Out of the four options I speculated on in a previous post, I believe it's going to be a portal/ teleportation related magic. Here is the evidence:

It can't be any deal making related magic because we've seen Idia making negotiations, bets, and deals with other people, and none of those required any kind of magic.

Hades main weapon against Hercules was other monsters. He moved them around using a special gaming board that represented the land with pieces that represented each kind of monster.

One of the things Idia hates is being told what to do. His unique magic would be a manifestation of that, forcing anyone caught up in the position control to follow his instructions.

Hades was the one who released the Titans adding them on to the board.

And in Chapter 6, where we go up against RSA in the Magift tournament, I think Vil is going to try and draft Idia into the game because of his unique magic and statistic mind. Idia's unique magic would be a callback to Hades moving monsters in Hercule's path, because Idia will be able to move players around the field to where they're needed most.

I think it only works if the person is on his side. If he has some kind of relationship with the person, then he has the power to move them around. A fun little prediction for this magic would be it's name: "Game Set!" (Hades says these words right before Hercules's first match with the Hydra.)

With this unique magic in use, Idia is going to be using magic a lot in the next chapter. But he hides the fact that his magical stone is in Ortho from the group. But he does make an alternate excuse to have Ortho by his side during the practice: for confidence and motivation. Of course, Vil's gonna see Ortho as an obstacle to Idia developing social skills. And this is where the OTC comes in and takes Ortho.

With the separation of the Shrouds, Idia is going to start feeling th the negative side effects of the blot. Why would he keep playing despite that? Maybe it was Ortho's last wish before being taken. We all know Idia would do anything for his little brother, and one last game against their enemy school would be a wish that inspires Idia to push beyond his limits for Ortho.

On the day of the tournament, Idia makes good on his promise, playing for the sake of his brother, and silently suffering the negative side effects of the blot that's collecting inside of him due to excessive magic use and negative emotions like anxiety. And they lose.

It's just too bad that Idia's the one who discovers the cheating RSA has done.

How exactly do they cheat? Well, ever noticed that all RSA students have the same colored gem? I was thinking some kind of magic seal would be placed on the disk that only responds to the type of magic stone the RSA students use.

Idia figures this out causing the Overblot effects to kick in. He Overblots on the field in front of millions of spectators.

In every villain final boss battle in the Disney movies, those battles don't have that many people watching. Sure a few eye wittness's but not thousands of people. Alice woke up from the bad dream that is Wonderland, Ariel's battle with Ursla ends with herself and prince Eric, and Only the Evil Queen saw Snow White collapse after biting the poisoned apple.

But during the Titan's rampage, everyone knows. The gods are on high alert, the people are running to get to safety, and the hero goes out to make on last stand against Hade's forces.

In turn, every Overblot battle has been kept a secret on campus. The students don't talk about the shadows, and past events have been quietly filed away and mostly forgotten. Some students are still wary of the victims, but besides Jamil's episode, no one outside of campus knows about it.

Until Idia's Overblot happens. Only a few thousand of people saw Jamil's Overblot, but here, millions of people will see it. This will be the first Overblot incident to become widespread outside of NRC. And the first incident the RSA students will face.

And this is another place where Idia's unique magic would come in. Did I mention that Hades freed the Titans? Idia is going to bring Ortho back from captivity. But Ortho won't be completely normal either.

During his time away, Ortho will be trying to get back to his brother. He becomes scared, desperate, and he worries about Idia all the time. Ortho tries to break out, but fails. BTW, the OTC treats Ortho like a dangerous weapon, not a person. They also insult Idia which makes Ortho mad. Ortho's negative emotions plus the magic used in an attempt to break out causes another pool of blot to gather. Ortho Overblots in captivity only for Idia to free him with a portal shot all the way from RSA (assuming the tournament takes place there).

There we all fight the Overblotted Shrouds. RSA students call them evil and try to fight the Shrouds but RSA fails due to a lack of experience. We gather up and try to take the Overblots down but we almost lose as well until... well, that will be a surprise.🤗

I'll reveal what and who will stop the Overblot in the next prediction post.

In the meantime, let's go back to that statement about RSA students all having the same gem color.

This particular detail has lead me to believe that RSA doesn't have a dorm system. I think they have some kind of student council instead. In a different post I mentioned something about all hero's looking more or less the same. They also have similar ways of thinking as well. Maybe there are eight types of people with magic. One type is so widespread that it gets it's own school, while the other seven rarer types get called by the dark mirror and sorted into smaller groups (the dorm system).

Basically RSA is basically a place for the widespread idea of heros, while NRC has the rest of the magic types. Maybe RSA students are taught that their magic type is superior to the others.

Or I could be wrong. Thanks for reading! The next post will be out soon!😊😊😊

Small prediction: Twisted!Hercules (Most likely Crimson muscle) has the unique magic: Zero to Hero! which gives him the ability to become incredibly strong in an instant! You cannot change my mind.🙃

#twisted wonderland #ignihyde #night raven college #royal sword academy #twst idia #idia shroud #ortho shroud #vil schoenheit #jamil viper #chapter 6 #shrouds please be safe this chapter #they probably won't #but still #rook i swear if you know what's going on but don't tell us i give you a taste of my shoe #disney twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland theory #twisted wonderland idia