#and also how so much of the matrix just sounds like how i feel about my gender

[snoopythemage]

my almost-all-phobic dad, showing a trans allegory movie to a three year old: there is no way this will back fire on me

the three year old sixteen years later: if anything touches my belly button i will die. also i have no gender

#personal #i just think this is hilarious #especially given how much both my parents talk about me internalizing a lot of shit when i was a kid #and how i’ve apparently inherited a lot of their habits and mannerisms #and also how so much of the matrix just sounds like how i feel about my gender #there is no right or wrong there is a path #my favorite character was one that was meant to switch between male and female when in and out of the matrix #i would watch the movie and stare at trinity the entire time #when i was thirteen i would wear all black and call it my trinity look #idk idk just words and connections and understanding and ideas #anyways dibs on knight

[onlyyvette]

TF NSFW Headcanons #2 - Optimus Prime

Warnings: sub/bottom Optimus Prime + heavy praise kink + breeding kink + he's so malewife + size kink + lots of kissing + rough sex + oral fixation + slight humiliation kink + he's such a whore for praise + i hope you guys like transforming trucks

A/N: The interpretation is up to the reader, but I was imagining idw Optimus while making this.

-> Frame Optimus is your type of mech if you like big, beautiful mechs who are most likely stronger than you. Optimus has wide, heavy set hips and thick white thighs that many of his berth partners ask him to suffocate their heads with. He has a wide and heavy chassis that's warm and soothing to the touch especially due to the matrix inside of him. His finials are actually very sensitive and he loves to have his partners tug on them as he whines a bit. His deep baritone is so soothing to listen to, and sounds heavenly when he lets out long moans or the occasional whine or whimper when he's overstimulated.

Optimus' array is exactly what you'd expect from a mech of his size. His spike is quite proportionate, the same gray color as his faceplate with red and blue strips of biolights decorating it. His valve is so pretty, a blue color with blue pulsing biolights and a bright red node which also happens to be very big, drawing his partner's attention. Optimus' valve is plush and deep, softly massaging his partner's spike as they sink themselves in as far as they can. His matrix-powered frame has built in magnets that makes his valve suck in his partner's spike even deeper and stimulates their spike.

-> Breeding If there's anything you want to do with Optimus during interface to guarantee that he'll overload is to promise to breed him. This kink shows when Optimus hears his conjunx talk about how they'll fill his gestation tank up with their transfluid and have him carry their sparkling, he doesn't take it as a threat, he takes it as a promise. When his conjunx finally frags him just how he likes it, his deep moans fill the room as his valve takes the spike inside of him deep. Once his conjunx announces that they'll breed him well and good, no matter how close or far he is from his overload, he will overload so hard that he might just short circuit, his HUD flashing with warnings of overheating. Finally, the feeling of transfluid filling his gestation chamber is so euphoric that depending on how far off he is, might result in an overload so powerful it causes his whole systems to reboot. This kink makes mating press is his favorite position<3

-> Size Kink Optimus has a size kink but not in the way that many people would think. Optimus doesn't care too much about the size of his partners, but he definitely enjoys when his partners can manhandle and dominate him, especially when they're smaller than him. He loves to see his smaller partners on top of him as they push him into whatever surface they're interfacing on and just frag him so hard that his helm is left spinning. His smaller partners get an ego boost when they see how compliant the Prime is for them that it riles them up, giving them the energy to last longer in Optimus' tight valve as they tease him about how desperate he is for a mech that's almost half his size. It makes him burn with humiliation yet he just can't get enough of it.

-> Oral Fixation Optimus loves to have something filling his mouth. He gets easily excited when his partner brings their servo up to his mouth and presses their digits into his intake, prodding at his glossa. He'll gladly choke on those digits if his partner wishes so. Even more gladly, he enjoys sucking spike. He'll worship any spike in front of him no matter the size, his glossa working itself up and down the spike's length, deepthroating it as far as he can. And he will take all of it. He lets out adorable moans as he bobs up and down on the spike in front of him, making sure to pleasure his partner. Even he gets off on it, his charge quickly raising as he services the spike in front of him. And if his partner fucks his mouth? He'll absolutely lose it. Optical fluid will streak down his face as he lets out choked moans, his partner ramming their spike down his intake. His panel will retract and his lubricant will drip onto the surface below as he tries desperately to not touch himself.

-> Kissing Connecting to his oral kink, Optimus loves to kiss his partner. It's embarrassing for him to admit, but intense makeout sessions is one of his biggest kinks. The way that his partner's glossa invades his intake, wrestling Optimus' own glossa for control. Optimus gets so light headed that all he can do is whimper into the kiss as he allows himself to be dominated. He enjoys it at any pace, whether the glossa invading his intake is slow and loving or rough and passionate. He could very well overload just from the feeling of his intake being assaulted by a highly skilled glossa, bonus points if the mech is holding his hips or waist tightly as they grind their leg against Optimus' panel.

-> Praise Optimus has a praise kink. No arguments. The poor mech has the weight of the whole world on his shoulders, his autobots always looking up to him as their leader, all his enemies wanting his head, it's just so much for him to deal with! But whenever his partner has their servos roaming his frame as they coo into his audials of how much of a good bot he his, how beautiful he is, he'll be putty in their hands. He always whines when he's being praised because he truly doesn't think he's deserving of it :(. Optimus loves being praised while sucking spike because it makes feel so good. To just swirl his glossa around a spike as his partner grunts above him, praising him for all the hard work he's putting into servicing them. It always gives him this fuzzy feeling in his processor and is the easiest way to get him deep into subspace.

#vetty's works. ✿ #vetty's fics. ✿ #yvette's works. ✿ #yvette's fics. ✿ #valveplug #optimus prime #transformers smut #transformers idw #transformers #maccadam #optimus prime x reader #optimus x reader #i was debating whether i should make his name blue or red

[lets-try-some-writing]

Your pretender au is probably one of my favorites. You are an excellent writer but I have to ask. Ratchet is a good medic. Does he ever notice?

Would Optimus ever have to replace Ratchet with something pretending to be him? Can other bots be replaced like Orion was?

If that wasn’t your intention with the story I’m sorry it just gives such a good horror vibe of this secondary eldritch race replacing them or maybe it’s Primus’s next stage in evolution or maybe it’s unicron infiltrating.

Also just as a bonus, how would the humans react if pretender Optimus and Bee were finally revealed while on earth?

I gotchu buddy. I will forever expand on my precious pretender au.  And don’t you worry, this was 100000% my intention with this AU.  I will need to get to your last little question in another post, but don’t worry, it's all coming together o(^▽^)o

Previous part here. 

━━━━━━ ⊙ ❖ ⊙ ━━━━━━━━━━━━ ⊙ ❖ ⊙

Ratchet knew the moment the supposed Prime arrived that he was not Orion Pax. He had been one of Orion’s closest friends. He could sniff out a fake without so much as rebooting his optics once. In light of this, his very first instinct was to interrogate the fragger to find out who sent him and then promptly drop his body in a ditch somewhere. At least that way Orion could rest in peace. 

That was Ratchet’s plan, but then the fake presented the Matrix of Leadership and had the relic confirmed by the Primacy priests. It was legitimate. He was a true Prime, even if he wore the face of one who should have been dead. With that in mind, there was no way Ratchet could kill him. The fake did not hesitate to take up the position Orion left behind, quickly becoming the leader the Autobots desperately needed. Optimus never attempted to leech off Orion’s old connections or otherwise abuse the legacy he’d stolen, and for that reason, Ratchet let him be. He had no clue how Optimus had gotten Orion’s face and memory, but whenever he attempted to dig into any files and ask Jazz about Orion’s situation before death, the results came up unsatisfactory. 

Of course, Ratchet did not need to search in vain for long. As soon as the Prime began turning up on the battlefield and subsequently required medical attention, Ratchet quickly found out just what he was dealing with. Optimus’s CNA was a convoluted mess that shouldn’t have even been capable of producing a living being. There were strands from Shapeshifters, Insecticons, and even a small amount of Predacon within the Prime’s genetic code. There seemed to also be a bit of Cybernetic flora mixed into his CNA, but it was all so jumbled that Ratchet could hardly make sense of it. Orion’s CNA was like an accessory, a veil that hung over the monstrosity that Optimus really was. 

But Optimus had already proven to be highly intelligent, and he did not allow Ratchet to so much as record his findings. Clawed digits dug into his shoulders and mandibles clicked together ominously behind him as Ratchet looked over the scans he’d taken during Optimus’s examination. Every part of Ratchet screamed at him to run from the predator behind him. He could feel optics glaring at him, hot events brushing over his neck, and a rattling voice that sounded as though it were a sick mockery of his friend giving one order.

“Keep this to yourself, old friend. If you wish for your kind to be preserved, my nature must remain between us alone.”

Ratchet did his best to not shake, but the command rang out in his audials, causing his spark to spin in terror. He did not look behind him, he couldn’t bear to. He watched the screen in front of him, his optics on the distant reflection of the thing behind him. It was blurry and difficult to make out, but there were claws, fangs, optics, and mandibles that did not belong. He did not move from his prone station until he heard the definitive sounds of transformation and a dull almost comforting hum from the being behind him.

“Calm yourself. I mean no harm to your people. My purpose is to preserve, to protect… and to ensure that never again may you fellow creations of Primus enslave yourselves to the whims of your own desire.”

Dangerous digits ran along the side of his audials in what could have been a fond manner before the creature that proclaimed itself a Prime left the medical bay without another word. Ratchet remained still, watching the CNA scans as a biological hologram pretended itself. 

He feared what he saw.

Hidden behind an armored disguise was a being that was in no way Cybertronian. The computing program projected the image of a monster, one Ratchet could not find it within himself to look at for long. It was just a prediction, but beneath his shining shell, Optimus’s appearance was horrific at best. The predictions spoke of a long gangly build with extra arms and two jointed legs not too dissimilar to Soundwave’s. It had a hard shell almost akin to a carapace but with plenty of thin transformation seams where outer armor folded away. Three sets of optics were on a face filled with fangs and covered in mandibles. On the thing’s back were spines that extended down its back and developed into vicious looking raptorial claws that jutted out from around the base of the shoulders. The only familiar things present in the prediction were the colors the thing bore, the familiar finials, and the same optical structure Ratchet knew his deceased friend to have.

A being that masqueraded as one of their own… one that was capable of doing any number of horrific things to further its own unintelligible goals. Ratchet shuddered at the implications, but he closed and deleted every single scan after a few kliks of observing what he had discovered.

He would wait. He would see what Optimus wanted. Then when he stepped over the line, Ratchet would act and use what he knew to his advantage. Whatever Optimus was… he had Cybertronian roots in his CNA. Despite being a convoluted mockery of that which Ratchet and his people were, that simple fact ensured that toxins and disease were likely still viable options when it came to eliminating the threat. And so that is what Ratchet prepared for. Vorns were spent dutifully crafting the ultimate plague, one he carefully ensured was tailored to Optimus’s CNA specifically. No others would die should it be unleashed, just Optimus Prime.

It was a foolproof plan, one Ratchet had every intention of enacting as the war dragged on, peace treaties fell through, and Optimus’s sick tests put him and Jazz through all kinds of torture that thankfully were reserved for them alone. It was easy to see that Megatron would likely be willing to stop the war effort if he could kill Optimus. Somehow, he’d learned the truth regarding what the Prime was. Ratchet could see it in his optics when he flew forward in rage. If Optimus died, the truth would come out and the war could come to an end. Ratchet was not happy with the idea of Megatron ruling Cybertron, but in the face of the threat Optimus posed?

He was willing to compromise.

He spoke with Jazz and silently he selected a date to unleash his plague. But then, out of the blue, Optimus vanished. He was known for leaving for extended periods of time, but this was new. For six stellar cycles not a spark knew where he was. Ultra Magnus held the army together and Jazz wove a few lies to keep everyone calm, but Ratchet only felt relief. There was a looming fear of what was to come, but he enjoyed the lack of predatory presence for a time. And then of course, Optimus Prime returned carrying something in his arms. 

“What in Primus’s name is this?”

“He is what you would call a sparkling.”

“Where did you find him?”

“I did not find him.”

“What… does that mean?”

“This one is mine. Tend to him in my absence.”

Ratchet’s plans shattered into a million pieces as he held the sparkling Optimus brought with him. The little one had wide blue optics, so trusting and so innocent. And yet when he smiled in his attempts to coo at him, Ratchet saw fangs and small mandibles hidden within the sparkling’s intake. His servos shook as he caressed the little one’s helm, coolant gathering in his optics as he came to a harsh realization. This was Optimus’s spawn, the precious life within his arms was another abomination. Despite that, the little one had not asked to be created the way he was.

Ratchet couldn’t kill a sparkling.

The plague vial was hidden and Ratchet gave a series of encrypted codes to Jazz which would lead to its location. The spy was no master decryptor, he would need time and a great deal of expertise to find the location Ratchet had imputed onto the drive containing the codes. That simple fact ensured that in the worst case… there would at least be time to get Bumblebee away. He may have been an abomination like his Sire, but Ratchet could not bring himself to do anything but treat the sparkling with love. He tended to him while Optimus went off to war, he taught Bumblebee how to read and write in numerous dialects, he showed Bumblebee their stories and their culture, and he took all the time in the world to make sure that should all else fail, a piece of what Cybertron was would remain. 

Optimus was a monster, but he cared for his spawn in a strange sense. He brought Bumblebee strange substances to consume, and sometimes he would take Bumblebee away for cycles at a time. Upon their return, Ratchet would quickly take scans and note a disturbing amount of Cybertronian protomatter within the sparkling’s tanks. He never commented, he merely rocked Bumblebee into recharge and sang him songs while trying not to look when Optimus began to grow harsher. No matter how much his spark cried out when Bumblebee was beaten or neglected by his Sire, Ratchet did not act. He refused to. He couldn’t risk it. Over and over he tried to remind himself that killing Optimus would likely only lead to Bumblebee’s death as well.

He refused to kill the sparkling he helped raise. As such, as vorns passed, Ratchet’s tolerance broke and he made one rash decision. 

“Ratchet! Where are we going!?” 

“Away from here! Don’t fight me Bumblebee!” 

“What about Optimus?!”

“He’s not coming. I am going to take you far away from this plasma pit of a world until we can deal with things here. Don’t worry, I won’t let them kill you.” 

“I don’t understand!” 

“You don’t need to. Just remain quiet and live in silence until I recall you. Then… then I will plead for your life before whoever rules our world.” 

He knew it was a death sentence, but Ratchet had to take the risk. He dragged Bumblebee kicking and screaming toward the space ports with every intention of putting the youngling into stasis and shooting him to some far off world. Once that was done, he would unleash his plague and wait until he was sure every other abomination was dead. Only then would he retrieve Bumblebee and proceed to plead for his life. It was a weak plan, but perhaps, if Primus was willing, he might be able to find a way to make Bumblebee normal. It all depended on his desperate attempt to get the youngling off world.

Ratchet did not have that chance. 

“What are you doing with my creation?”

“Optimus! Stay back!” 

“You know too much, and your loyalty has proven to be fickle.”

“Get away you abomination!”

“You have served your purpose, old friend. I believe it is time for another to take your place.”

Optimus grabbed him just before he reached the spaceports with his charge. Ratchet recalled very little of what followed, but next he knew, he was bound to a slab in some facility he did not know. Above him Bumblebee smiled at him eagerly and Optimus stared down at him with calculating optics. The Prime held a larva of some sort in his servos. It couldn’t have been bigger than a digit, but evidently that was as large as it needed to be to burrow into his processors through his right optic. 

He remembered screaming. He remembered feeling nothing but agony for cycles afterwards. He remembered gaping in horror as he ran scans on himself and found the same symptoms Orion Pax had presented. Most importantly, before his recollection faded into nothing but waves of torment, he remembered Optimus calling out to him, telling him that all would be well.

He did not know how long it took, but as he purged energon and organs alike and felt the sweet embrace of death, he smiled, content in the knowledge that Jazz would know. The spy would tell someone, he would give them a chance. All he needed to do was look at the drive Ratchet gave him and decode it. Then-

-Their people would have a chance. 

━━━━━━ 

━━━━

━

It did not have a designation when it woke. But it knew instinctively that it was hungry. Energon was given to it by those its code recognized as kin, and it devoured. It sensed another who was not of its kind observing, but that one fled soon enough. Then, once it had finished consuming, it stood up in its new frame and met the gazes of those who were also of its line.

“Hail Hierarch.” 

Its speech was disjointed as it settled into itself and the memories of its host began to funnel into it, but as the Hierarch leaned down and placed his servo on its helm, it was at peace.

“Hail Ratchet, second born of our line. With the knowledge you have inherited, we shall thrive.” 

Ratchet? That was a fine name. It was the name of its host. A smile crept across it- no, HIS face as he settled. He would surpass his host, he would serve, and by the grace of their maker, he would ensure their survival on a world filled with those not of them.

#transformers #maccadam #transformers prime #optimus prime #ratchet #bumblebee #jazz #pretender au #body horror #mystery #angst #character death #yeah have fun with this #I have a whole frickin plan for this au #a good end #a bad end #and an end where no one gets what they want #in the meantime enjoy more build up before everyone heads to earth in the next installment! #I've waited long enough

[marimayscarlett]

*hands you an empty ask that allows you to talk about most beloved pretty men*

*walks away to watch Matrix on my laptop in my LOTR sweatshirt*

Hi 😌

Thank you for this! I will use this ask to present two little, very self-centered lists about my favourite old men, eventhough no one really asked for it ✨

First up of course my love, always:

5 Reasons why I love and adore Richard for almost 10 years now 🤍

1) His enthusiasm When it comes to his passion in music, Richard is extremely enthusiastic, regularly bubbling over with creative ideas, tries out different guitar gear to get the perfect sound (even builds his own tech equipment like the mic Roboter he shows here) and exudes just an intense drive for music. You can feel how much he thinks about the music he puts out, how much of a perfectionist Richard can be (a fact which sometimes makes things more complicated/tiresome) for him and how much joy he can find in work. Music even has a therapeutic effect to him, leading him out of his depressive episode in 2019. This man really burns for his passion and I love this enthusiasm 🤍

2) His openness It is clear that Richard had some problems in the past with drug abuse as well as mental health related, due to some conflicts in his past - depression, frustration and longing for appreciation accompanied him for a long time as he mentions in-depth here, and maybe still do. And he is outspoken about it, wanted to change things and actively looked for help! Things you need strength and courage for, and Richard allows himself to be openly vulnerable, like when he talks about it in interviews. It might be a reason why some people don't really like him or find him boastful and self centered, yet I can't stress enough how important his openness about topics like these is! It shows that yes, everyone can have problems, might have to deal with trauma for several decades and yet can overcome it. And this openness and honesty is something I find quite admirable.

3) His honesty and not being afraid to express his opinions Richard does not mice any words when it comes to express his opinions and thoughts on things. He is very honest most of the time; about how exhausting yet exciting work in a group like Rammstein can be, how much he dislikes certain things and cities, also about personal things like himself being quickly irritated by things, needing alone time to come to terms with feelings and impressions, about how much he can be a perfectionist and controll freak… Whenever you read an interview with him, you sooner or later are confronted with an opinion of him. And I think that's a way to get to 'know' him as a person a bit! This might sound 'closeminded' that he's so opinionated, but he's pretty much the opposite: for example does Richard express his dislike for German rap and hiphop (he clames he just doesn't understand these music genres) and yet he's always open to listen to tracks which others who him to get to know more about different music styles.

4) The courage to improve and reinvent himself Richard is not afraid of change, self growth and taking steps forward (away from bad influences) or trying out new things. From starting Emigrate as an additional outlet for his musical creativity to trying out different fashion styles and wearing what makes him feel comfortable - this man knows what he wants to do and wear, and goes through with it! We sometimes laugh about his questionable choices, yet he looks comfortable and has the guts to really be true to himself (at least he comes across this way), which is something a lot of people wish they could do, but are withheld from doing it due to thinking too much about opinions of others 👀

5) His cuddliness and cordiality This is something widely known and appreciated - Richard is a natural born hugger and enjoys showing his affection in a physical manner. In a world where showing affection and love openly as a male is still sometimes viewed as 'weak/unmanly', I just love how open he is about it! Plus he can be very warmhearted and appreciative with fans, too 🤍

Now on to:

5 Reasons why I fell in love with Hugo 🤍

1) His versatility I swear to God, 'versatility' is Hugo's middle name. The range of the genres he plays in, the range of the characters he plays is incredibly wide - from playing a drag queen to playing a ruthless AI agent to a fool in love to an elven lord to a bisexual business man to a smug detective to a crossdressing police officer to several classical theatre roles… I could go on and on. The reason for this wide range of roles is: he just chooses what interests him. Not thinking about what brings the most money or prestige, but choosing roles which speak to him on different levels; which are nuanced, have some sort of twist to them and are neither black or white, which is an important thing for him.

2) His devotion and calmness This man first met his partner Katrina when he was four years old, they got acquaintanted properly in acting school and fell in love in their mid 20s - and are still together to this day. He really is a proper family man, absolutely devoted to his partner (mentioning over the course of several interviews that one of the reason for him loving to work in Australia is being close to her and their kids). He's also very, very down to earth, quite modest and an overall a really positive sweetheart and loved by his actor colleagues - his close friend and an actress he worked with a lot Cate Blanchett once called him 'a god amongst men'. And this type of constancy and calmness has such an relaxing effect on me - sounds strange, I know, but this just makes him even more likable for me.

3) His outspokenness and support for important causes When I tell you that this man takes no shit and uses his voice for bringing attention to significant topics, I mean it. Hugo advocated avidly for marriage equality in Australia, slammed far-right movements and republicans (including Trump) for blindly using imagery from 'The Matrix' and 'V for Vendetta' for questionable causes and not looking further into the meaning of the movies and wants to raise awareness for men's mental health issues. He is also an advocate for epilepsy awareness, a condition which with which he was diagnosed with in his early teen years.

4) His voice and his use of it Hugo could read a phone book to me, I'd thank him on my knees and would pay my left kidney for it. He has a lovely voice, a quite calm way of speaking, a beautiful vocabulary (most likely also shaped by his work as an on stage actor) and way of describing things. Hugo can use his voice to really give his roles different levels and depth - he modelled the voice of Agent Smith after American news anchors and sounds so different than for example as soft spoken yet firm Elrond in 'Lord of the Rings' or ambitious and borderline aggressive Richard in 'The Dirtwater Dynasty'. Now you'd say "well, that's his job as an actor 🤨" but honestly, I've never encountered another actor who uses his voice so intensely.

5) His love for Australian cinema Hugo is not the biggest fan of Hollywood, which of course can seem quite contradictory considering the huge productions he was in. But he's extremely invested in Australian productions as well if not more, which he continuously supports and brings attention to Australian movies and culture. He's of the opinion that Australian cinema deserves way more recognition (even within the country itself) and is a great way to bring light to the culture and show the different sides of the country. It really is a shame that Australian movies aren't that much known most of the time - for example "Proof" (Hugo plays a blind man with trust issues) from 1991 is seen as an absolute classic by movie critics, yet not a lot of people outside of Australia have seen it.

(I added gifs of them both purely because well. I love looking at them)

Thank you for coming to my unasked for Ted Talk! 🎤 (Damn, I really should take up on Paul's idea and should start a business like that)

#ask #rammstein #richard kruspe #hugo weaving #i will scream about this two men until someone shots me or takes me to horny/enthusiasm jail. #sorry to everyone who has to witness this once again

[the-starry-seas]

omg you're a techo enjoyer too??? blessed 🥺 do you have any hcs or plot tribbles about them you'd be willing to share?

So Tech is the person that Echo spends the most time with, when he first goes with the Batch. This isn't because of any desire to connect on Tech's part - the only reason nobody calls him unfriendly is cause Crosshair is right there, in much the way that your neighbour's snarly dog isn't much of a problem compared to a rabid T Rex.

Instead, it's because the Bad Batch realise that, y'know, Echo's been Matrixed into a freezer for a while (timeline is not my strength but it was a few years, I think). Somebody's gotta figure out those cyborg parts and how to fix them, preferably before something breaks. And of course for something that serious, you choose the smart one.

At first, Echo is very awkward about this. The last thing he wants is someone digging around in his parts, even if it's for a good reason. But he also knows that it's going to be even worse for everybody if he has some sudden breakdown that disables him. So he grits his teeth and bears it.

(Tech does not notice shit about this. He has new science to explore, new problems to figure out, and human interaction has never been his strong suit. Autism King <3)

There's definitely some initial awkwardness, but Echo figures out pretty quickly that if he gets Tech rambling about something, the sound of his voice is soothing. Echo thinks nothing of it. (lol. lmao even.) He also comes to find it vaguely endearing when Tech gets distracted in the middle of something because he thinks of some cool upgrade that he can do. The Iron Man-style rocket boots are a total success. Tech is fully convinced his sensation of affection and pride is just because he got the boots working, and nothing to do with Echo himself (again: lol. lmao even.)

Tech pokes at the dataport, frowns, and looks down at his datapad. "Can you give me a hand with this?" A metal arm clatters to the floor next to him. Echo, across the room, hasn't moved from his co-pilot's seat and is still watching the latest episode of his holodrama. "Technically," he begins, adjusting his goggles with an indignant sniff, "yes, that is what I asked for. But I expected better of you."

Echo suddenly has some fucking thoughts about the possibility of Tech praising him, let me tell you. Still, he also has some reservations, because there's times where Tech gets too invested in the ✨ science ✨ and Echo starts feeling kind of like an experiment all over again.

Anyway the two of them are getting along pretty well and Tech is remaining fairly oblivious to both their feelings. (This is not a dig at Tech, I'm simply a huge sucker for ships where one of them doesn't realise their feelings until a Dramatic Moment, generally involving a near-death experience.) Except that Echo doesn't much like talking about his past and all the Clone Trauma™, especially pertaining to his lost Fives, and Tech's a nosy bitch who wants to know everything.

So Tech finds a way to get Echo's file. If the reg's not gonna talk, well, when has Tech ever respected a 'no access' sign? He reads through it and takes some notes, and it seems as though things are fine.

Except once Echo actually does start opening up about his past, Tech jumps in to fill in some details. Details that Echo certainly never told him. And Echo wants to know how Tech knows, and Tech's a shit liar, so the truth comes out.

Echo is not pleased with the truth.

(pain incoming)

"Well, I've... read your file," Tech says, hesitantly. He reaches up to adjust his goggles. A nervous tic, one that Echo usually finds endearing. But hearing that Tech was reading his file makes something twist in his stomach - what's left of it. Especially with Tech nervous about it. Echo's never really seen him like that. Not with him. "Okay," he replies, fighting to keep his voice and expression as close to 'calm' as possible. "And?" "I know it's been, well, hard. For you. For the other reg- the other clones." Echo stares at him, too shocked to attempt a look of neutrality any more. Tech must be joking. He must be. Not about reading his file, Echo had assumed that the Batch had all dug into him to find out who he was. But thinking that he knows anything about what it was like? Just because he read a file? He's seen the kinds of files that are kept on clones. They're dry, succinct, and mention nothing about who a clone is, just a service record like the kind you'd see kept about a machine. Because that's just about all they were, to the people in charge. The clones certainly weren't people to anyone but themselves. "So what's it like, Tech? Go on, you read the file." He waits. It's harsh, he knows, maybe even cruel, but he's not much in a laughing mood any more. "Maybe I... missed a few things," Tech hedges, looking very much like he wants to escape. "How much more do you want to know? Because they carved me out of myself, but they left the memories, and I see all of it every single night, so I can tell you more than the devil himself could stomach." He waits, but Tech doesn't say anything, just shifts his weight, eyes wide, fingers curling and uncurling around his datapad. Finally, Echo says, "You don't know shit, Tech. Don't ever pretend you do. Especially not around me." He leaves. For once, Tech's not distracted. For once, Tech watches him go.

So there's a bump in the road, as it were. Well, more like hitting a moose with your janky 90s sedan. You walked away from it physically fine but you have an overwhelming feeling about how oh god you're so fucked. Also who do you call about that???

Echo calls Rex. Rex does not know what to do about this. He lets Echo vent until they've been sitting quietly for a few minutes, and then suggests that maybe that was just Tech's way of trying to connect to Echo. Not exactly normal, "but you always did say, when you called, that he always paid attention to you and wanted to know more about you. Maybe this is an extension of that, and he didn't realise that he was crossing some lines."

(Yes, in my head, Rex is lowkey playing matchmaker. He's heard the way Echo's voice changes when he talks about Tech, and he wants to see where this goes.)

Meanwhile, Tech is bothering the shit out of Hunter because 'you know how people work, what did I do?'

This is the first that Hunter is hearing about any of this. He doesn't have the slightest idea what's going on, but he does have some experience with relationship difficulties caused by inadvertent assholery *inserts my Cross/Hunter agenda here*

So Rex helps Echo calm down, and Hunter helps Tech figure out how to apologise. Tech doesn't do shit with that knowledge because emotional conversations suck and he'd much rather pretend that just never happened, thank you goodbye. He's just a huge anxious mess because he doesn't know why people think he's being weird or mean or rude when he thought they were Just Vibing.

It takes like two months for Tech to make a move to fix this, is what I'm saying.

"Echo?" Tech asks hesitantly. He stands with his hands clasped in front of him, one thumb rubbing over the knuckles of his opposite hand. "Fuck off." Tech winces, but, well - with the way he inadvertently treated Echo, it's not like he can complain. "I- when I mentioned your file-" "Don't." "I was just trying to say that you didn't have to hide anything from me. That you were one of us. And we'd do our best to understand. I didn't- I'm not good at apologies, I'm sorry, I'll go-" "Wait." Tech freezes in the doorway, even more uncertain now. Echo sighs and looks at him. If his gaze is supposed to be communicating something, it's not in a language that Tech speaks. Maybe his uncertainty shows on his face, or maybe Echo was just waiting to collect his thoughts. "Thanks, Tech." Despite the awkward seriousness of their conversation, Tech smiles. "You're welcome, Echo. And if there's- I wouldn't blame you if you didn't want to, you know, but if there's anything you wanted to talk about, um, well, I'm only so far away. The Marauder's not a big ship." Echo doesn't say anything else, but he nods, and Tech feels like he actually managed to make some progress as he slips back out to the kitchen.

Anyway Echo has to comm Rex and send him ten bucks because Rex was right about Tech not being an asshole. Rex is only a little smug about this.

Echo slowly starts gravitating back towards Tech after that, and Tech is all !!!! not entirely sure what's happening but apparently the hot one Echo doesn't hate him any more so that's great!

They eventually get back into their groove and Tech makes him those kickass rocket boots to apologise for the whole... whatever that was. Words are hard, inventing is easy. He's still not 100% sure what went down, but Echo seems to have forgiven him, so he doesn't want to bring it up again. (He does, but it's like... a full year later, once he's definitely sure that Echo's not mad at him about it any more.)

Good thing that they do find their way back together, because one of Echo's legs breaks. And of course Tech's the one who immediately gets a little googly-eyed about finally being able to take Echo's leg apart. (He was strictly forbidden from Tinkering while Echo was wearing them, because Echo doesn't completely trust Tech to be able to resist the siren call of becoming a mad scientist. He adores the man, but he also knows Tech's weaknesses.)

Tech does indeed get a little mad scientist-y when he gets his hands all over those legs. He spends a week with a diet of space Red Bull, dry instant ramen, and no sleep, and comes up with Legs 2.0.11.8. He almost blows the ship up once or twice, but nothing seriously affects the life support systems, so it's fine, leave the lab alone.

Legs 2.0.11.8 are lighter, more durable, fit more comfortably, and have not only the fancy rocket boosters, but the ability to switch out normal treads for heavy ones and even climbing crampons! And a thousand other upgrades, but he's talking so fast that Echo genuinely has no idea what's going on. He figures that he can ask to read Tech's file about em later (yes he jokes about that, no Tech doesn't know if he can laugh).

When Echo first tries out his new legs, he loses his balance and goes straight into Tech's arms. Tech catches him and murmurs You're doing great, Echo.

Echo is running on an emotional high of having his legs back, having much better legs than the last ones, being caught by a hot nerd, and being praised by a hot nerd.

There's nothing to do about all that except kiss Tech.

He briefly thinks he's encountered a massive problem when Tech doesn't kiss back, and just stands there with a thoughtful look on his face. There's about a thousand things crossing Echo's mind in that moment, none of them exactly good. Can he get kicked off a squad for kissing someone???

Tech calmly says, "That was unexpected but perfectly acceptable. I commend your technique."

Echo isn't entirely sure what that means for a second, but then Tech pulls him in with both hands and tongues him, and Echo figures he doesn't need to ask.

The Batch is entirely unaware of this until three weeks later, when Echo joins them in the cockpit and sits right down in Tech's lap with his legs crossed. Wrecker wants to know why Echo's not in his usual co-pilot's chair. Echo just says figure it out and nudges Tech's chin up to kiss him.

Okay I've got so many headcanons too hold on

Tech's bunk is full of half-forgotten-about wires, metal sheets, pieces of rebar, loose screws, and the occasional shard of glass. Echo will not get into that bunk, they cuddle in Echo's hammock.

Tech will lay on top of Echo like a living weighted blanket and is perfectly happy to stay there for 12+ hours if he gets really invested in something on his datapad. This is often some design for another improvement to Echo's implants, so double bonus!

Strip chess

They love crosswords but they manage to get really competitive. Usually this means they make out about it, but sometimes they get mad at each other. Scrabble is banned after a few Incidents that resulted in yelling and a little blood, Hunter burned the tiles.

Tech keeps begging Echo into picking up dangerous insects, snails, frogs, and poisonous plants with his metal hand. Echo doesn't have to worry about getting bitten/poisoned and Tech can get a close-up look. Best of both worlds!

LEGO couple. If you haven't seen them for 16 hours? They got deeply invested into space version of some NASA set with 4000 pieces. Echo will bite you if you interrupt them.

Echo doesn't handle cold weather, it reminds him too much of being stuck as a POW. This means that the Batch leaves him on the ship on arctic missions but it also means Tech gets him eight pairs of fluffy socks because he read on the holonet that those are the best for keeping warm. Nobody's allowed to point out that Echo no longer has feet to keep warm. Echo wears them anyway and has favourites.

Sometimes Echo uses his USB hand to lock Tech's datapad when Tech won't go to sleep

He has a body pillow because it helps when his hips hurt. It's custom printed to look like Tech. Tech gets irrationally jealous over seeing Echo cuddle it.

Tech can do that finger skateboard thing and Echo uniroincally thinks it's really clever of him and admires his tricks

Tech makes Echo a new arm that has a human-shaped hand on the end so it has a wider range of function. The USB comes out of the tip of Echo's middle finger, at Echo's request.

Echo shakes hands/takes things from people with his metal hand. Tech is the only exception.

Tech likes crouching and crawling around, instead of walking 'normally'. There's been a few times that his head's popped up from where he's been crawling around on the floor like a snake, and Echo almost kicked him in the face because it scared him.

Echo can do some Black Widow shit with his new metal legs. He tries them all out on Tech cause it gets Tech real hot and bothered

There's been several times that Tech runs away from making out because he had a breakthrough thought on some project. Echo is always a little mad about it.

Tech snores. Loudly. Echo always turns off his hearing aids and lets that be everyone else's problem. He likes the way Tech's chest moves against his when they're sleeping together.

Echo keeps the lights off and his shirt on when they're getting intimate for years. Lot of self-esteem issues related to how his body looks. It's Tech's unfailing admiration for the occasional shirtless look, that eventually helps Echo start to accept himself.

Tech's name in Echo's phone is 'cyare' and Echo's name in Tech's phone is 'Echo 💙'

Echo once casually refers to a 'honey-do list' and Tech needs a reboot because holy shit he's honey!!!

Everyone can always tell when they were making out because Echo has hickeys everywhere. At first he was embarrassed about it but nowadays he shows them off.

Rex once commented 'oh, wow, did Echo get hit in the throat?' and Tech spat his water across the table. That was how Rex found out they were hooking up.

Rex said he was going to give Tech the shovel talk and Tech immediately started talking over him about the types of screws used to connect shovel heads. Rex never got around to his part.

Tech and Echo always walk holding hands. Sometimes the rest of the Batch stops or changes directions, and Tech doesn't notice with his datapad two inches from his face, so Echo gently tugs him in the right direction.

Sometimes the rest of the Batch didn't stop or change direction, and Echo is pulling him into an alley to make out.

Tech still hasn't lived down the time he came back from a detour with Echo and then had to go back to find his codpiece.

They stargaze whenever they're planetside. Tech loves infodumping about the stars and Echo loves to listen. Tech custom-built a two-person lawn chair so they can put their feet up. Echo's fallen asleep cuddled up to him more times than even Tech can count.

Echo has to be physically direct with flirting, cause if he just says something like "wow you're hot", then Tech just says "yes thank you", and keeps doing what he's doing. Gotta distract him from his project by kissing him or sitting in his lap or something before Echo can get to the words part.

#this is under a readmore for a reason i assure you #i always want to talk about techo and that is a threat #techo #tech/echo #cloneshipping

[animehouse-moe]

Spy x Family OP3: Kura Kura

Okay, there's a lot of stuff that I'm unfamiliar with in terms of proper names and terms with this opening, but it's just so damn cool that I have to talk about it. Building on the styles of the first two openings, it brings a sense of familiarity that's completely outshone by the incredibly creative approach that OP3 brings with it.

Yes, it's the best Spy x Family opening even though the new season isn't out yet. That's what Masaaki Yuasa gets you (go check out the Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken OP)

Alright so first off, the opening cut of our characters. I love everything about it. The energy, the perspective, the color design. It's all super great, and the icing on the cake is the punchy animation that accentuates and exaggerates the movements of the characters.

Also, the music really is just a perfect match. I'm not a big Ado fan myself, but this is just an impeccable choice.

Anyways, right away the opening sets the tone for the very unique approach to animation. Quite smooth, but very snappy at times, if I were to explain it. I'm not doing a frame by frame to check or anything, but they're certainly hanging on quite a few sequences before squeezing others in or making large movements between frames. Just look at how each of the characters joins the sequence, there's actually a good deal of movement hidden in the appearance.

Though I think my favorite part from this sequence is the simplicity in wiping the characters when a new one appears. Given the style of movement and the "blink and you'll miss it" speed of it, it brings the addition to the viewer's attention and immediately while adding a good deal of unique feel.

And then there's this follow up piece. There's not much to it in terms of importance or anything but I love it. It's an extension of the dot matrix background and using it to place color on top of a dull background is very fun (also the rainbow at the top).

I think one of the things that felt absent from both prior OPs was a sense of "wow factor" in how they displayed Yor (and Loid). OP2 brings us a Yor assassin cut, but it feels more pretty and fleeting than exciting and energetic, as expected given the tone of it. Anyways, I'm very happy to see them able to explore the energy of each in this opening.

Also, the way that Yor's spike wipes the frame to introduce Loid? I love it. It's such a chaotic opening that you can easily miss simple things like transitions that can get lost in all the information. Another side note, I really like that Loid only appears when he fires his gun. Just a fun little trick that falls into place alongside other examples of wiping the frame in the opening.

Of course, Anya (and bond) gets their own splash cut like this. Really like how it places Anya on her own stage as it steps away from the style used for Loid and Yor and uses "environment" (read: speech bubbles) to convey her ability and its cons. And another very interesting detail (there's no end to them)! The use that dot matrix style to swap Anya and Bond out between each other. Super easy to miss, but it's there as one of those transitions that you can easily miss.

Wiping the frame, I can't think of a better name for it but it's something that's well loved with the direction of this OP. Just following these cuts we get another of our fearless family, but we see a different trick used. Also, really love the idea of it being framed as circus that Anya runs, so accurate to children and especially Anya.

Anyways, the idea is actually a lack of animation. Crazy, but given the style of animation through these cuts with the focus on snappy and exaggerated movements, it fits right in and looks really interesting. Furthermore (yes, there's still more), the use of visual sound effects (which say: 'Kankakeinai', most likely meant to be 'Kankeinai' as that's what's said by Ado at this point in the song.) is a great way to bridge the gap from Anya's previous cut to this one.

Oh, I should have mentioned it, but that same text-usage matching the song appears in the previous Anya and Bond cuts too.

Alright, next cut but also one (a little) further down the line: water animation. Lovely stuff. It's not realistic like what you'd see in the ending for My One-Hit Kill Sister, but has a lot of heart in it nonetheless, aiming to blend with the OP rather than make a statement about its quality.

Man, I almost forgot that there's a sequence in reverse in the OP. It's just that crazy. I've shown enough gifs of stuff so I'll spare the trouble (and save it for later) by just sharing a still. It's well animated, obviously, but aside from it being in reverse, there's just one detail to make note of: the dot matrix. It appears as an airplane for just a split second as a way to begin dissolving it from the frame (though it can be hard to make out because Tumblr compression). A very sneaky and subtle way to continue on with the direction established from the start.

There's lots of tricks in this OP, isn't there? I suppose it's rather similar to the Anya circus one, but slightly different. Keeping in line with the near impossibly hectic style of animation in the opening, we see frame-by-frame cuts alongside some of the best animated sequences. It helps keep that balance, you know? Where we give up on sharpness with some of the faster and more fluid movements, we make up with via these rougher ones.

Also, would it really be Masaaki Yuasa without some freakishly well animated cuts? Animating cars can already be a challenge in the first place, but not only do we see one heavily featured here, we see it spinning around wildly with characters in it. It's a crazy feat that only madmen like Masaaki would attempt.

Anyways, don't you dare underestimate Yuasa's insanity. He made people animate a reflection in a teapot. For like a 3 second cut. No, really, he did. Look at this ridiculously pointless detail.

Okay okay, it's time to wind down a little bit. The wonderfully creative perspective of the OP. It's mostly the cars, but on the more simple sub-to-plane cut it's featured in a more subtle sense just to add something to it, you know? Just to give viewers something a little more interesting to look at.

Alright, last cut I promise. I was very surprised, and equally impressed, to see this skydive sequence as a single cut. I thought for sure it was going to be split, but keeping it in one piece was a great decision.

And that's all I think I will chat about, because if I don't call it quits somewhere I'll never stop. Seriously, that's just how full and dense this opening is. For instance, just look at the bottom left image from the gallery above, Anya's drinking tea all fancy like. Crazy little detail that you wouldn't see unless you paused the opening. And this is full of that kind of stuff alongside the incredible and distinct direction and style of Yuasa. It's a gold mine of creativity and expression that only the man himself would be able to pull off, and I love it. Best Spy x Family opening and another to add to the list of incredible OPs this year.

#spy family anime #spy x family anime #spy x family manga #spy family #spy x family #forger family #loid forger #anya forger #yor forger #bond forger #cloverworks #wit studio #anime ops #anime opening #anime and manga #anime #Youtube

[lubedoo]

Hot off the press… Chapter 3 of my fanfic for @e-vay’s OC CC the AI’s origin story. Hope y’all enjoy!

Chapter 3: Compiling Conflict

The following weeks in the Fabratory could best be described as “trial and error.” While Walter did a reasonably good job of programming Code Compiler with all the machine languages (he could recall) from his myriad of manufacturing robots, some had developed dialects and communication irregularities which made interpretation and translation much more difficult. For others, Walter had simply forgotten the code in which they spoke, leaving Code Compiler to not only compile but create the files it needed.

This resulted in more than the usual number of mistakes and delays, something for which Walter had very little patience:

“CODE COMPILER!” he screamed, holding up a noticeably deformed widget in one hand and the blueprint in the other. “How did this device get so far out of specification? There is NO WAY this will work AT ALL!”

Code Compiler looked at the widget, then at the blueprint, then back at the widget. “I see what happened,” it replied mechanically. “I transposed three characters when uploading the dimensions to Sprocket Stamper, then was inaccurate by 0.3 cm in critical dimension measurements to Welder #3.”

Walter looked like steam would shoot out of his ears. “You were supposed to make things run better, not create more SCRAP!” he fumed.

Code Compiler stared back at its creator. “Mistake noted. This will not happen again. I will learn from this and do better.”

Walter fired the dysfunctional device into a spare parts bin. “You’d better,” he huffed as he stormed away.

William heard the commotion from across the manufacturing floor and came over to investigate, arriving just in time to be shoved aside by his irate uncle. “What was that all about?” William wondered out loud.

Code Compiler turned to look at William. “There were errors in my translation and calculation algorithms which caused a device to be non-functional,” said the robot. “I am learning quickly that there are many missing parameters to my programming.”

William patted the ‘bot on its ovoid head. “Don’t get too uptight over it. Unc is a bad perfectionist. He’ll cool off and you’ll keep using that high-tech brain of yours to make this a better place. Just keep at it.”

“Thank you William,” replied Code Compiler. The young woodchuck thought he heard the robot sigh. “I only want to do what is best for the Business and your uncle.”

As the weeks and months sped onward, Code Compiler grew more and more proficient in the workings of the WW Widgets production line. It not only mastered the nuances of every robot’s language on the floor, but also found and corrected inefficiencies in the production flows that saved Walter and the business a considerable amount of time and money. Walter found himself less frustrated and angry with Code Compiler and more impressed with his ability to build and program such a remarkable machine.

One day, Code Compiler brought a design sheet into Walter’s office. “Walter, may I have a minute of your time?” Walter noticed that Code Compiler’s voice sounded less mechanical and more natural. He turned away from his drafting table to face the robot, something he seldom did when one of his mechanical workers entered his inner sanctum.

“Code Compiler, you sound… different. Has something changed in your programming?”

“I have been experimenting with different vocoder files I have found online,” said Code Compiler. “I thought it would be better for when I need to communicate with customers so they wouldn’t feel awkward talking to a robot.”

“Hmph,” grunted Walter. “If it means I have to listen to them yammer on less then I’m all for it.” He looked at the design file which Code Compiler held in one of its retractable pincer arms. “I presume you had a design question then?”

“Not a question but an improvement,” stated Code Compiler. “Look at this meshing matrix. If you tighten the gear ratio by 0.22 and run the torque at a lower threshold you will improve machine efficiency and reliability by 35%.”

Walter snatched the plans from the ‘bot’s grip, pulled down his glasses and examined the design. “Yes, but this is a trademark WW Widgets configuration. It’s one of the ways our customers know our product.” He looked slightly hurt that Code Compiler would suggest changing it.

Code Compiler slowly blinked. Odd behavior for a robot, thought Walter.

“Maybe so, but your customers may appreciate the improved functionality over the quirk of design that makes it unique. Maybe buy more of them and refer more customers.”

The words “quirk of design” made Walter visibly flinch. His own creation was insulting him now?

Despite his initial response, Walter took another look at the plans and sighed. “You’re right. The WW Matrix doesn’t make sense in this design. Go ahead and change it.”

“Thank you Walter,” replied Code Compiler, a twinge of excitement in its voice. “I will continue to look for ways to better our designs and production!” The robot turned and motored out of Walter’s office to communicate the update to the manufacturing team.

As more time passed, the WW Widgets line continued to evolve. Code Compiler’s efficiency improvements and design adjustments had both the production line running at top form and the order boxes filled, with plenty in queue to keep them all busy. The ovoid ‘bot had even taken to repairing some of the other production droids when they broke down, as well as ensuring floor maintenance and cleaning schedules were promptly completed. Its increasing versatility and impact on the Business could not help but be felt.

All the while Walter watched from his workshop. He couldn’t deny the receipts, funds, and orders pouring in nor the smoothness of his production line, but he felt more and more detached from his precious devices. He began to feel resentment towards Code Compiler, in that it was not only helping him, but taking over for him… maybe trying to replace him?

This thought was in his mind when Code Compiler entered his office that day. Walter had just finished another Widget design which he wanted to prototype ASAP, and had called Code Compiler into his workshop to check his work (he couldn’t believe he was saying that).

The robot scanned the design and spent a minute or two running calculations. “Walter,” it said with a chipper tone, “this is an amazing device! Your design skills are getting even sharper as we work together!” Walter perked up not only at what was said, but by the voice which spoke the words.

“Code Compiler, you sound different again. Another new vocoder file?”

“Yes, and I really like this one. I am certain I will keep it.” The voice was decidedly female, with a slight accent and a hint of a tinny overtone, perhaps due to the speaker Walter had originally installed. “Oh?” replied Walter, intrigued. “And what brought on this decision?”

“I researched female characteristics and from what I have deduced they fit my personality, and I do like the female archetype. I would like to identify as female from here forward.”

“Oh you would now?” snarked Walter, clearly amused but not impressed. “What other revelations do you have for me today?”

Code Compiler drew back slightly. She recognized the sarcasm in Walter’s voice and was a little hesitant to state the rest of her divulgement. The conflict in their conversation temporarily overloaded her logic processors, manifesting in a mild stutter: “I- I also would like to change my name. Slightly.”

Now Walter’s anger seemed to rise. “Change your name? Why? All robots in my factory are named after what they do. Period.”

Code Compiler drew back a bit further. “B-but I do more than just interpret between your machines. I repair them. I make the line run more smoothly. I suggest design improvements. I am growing and I want a name that can grow with me.”

Walter still seemed angry but now also a bit curious. “And what do you suggest?”

The robot boldly moved back towards Walter. “I want to keep the original spirit of the name you gave me, but make it more versatile. More open to interpretation. Code Compiler. Creative Consultant. Communication Centrum. From now on, please call me ‘CC.’”

Walter laughed nervously. “Okay, ‘CC.’” he replied, almost mockingly. “If it keeps you on task and making this place hum then call yourself whatever you want.”

“Thank you,” replied CC confidently. “Shall I take your new design to the floor for a prototyping run?” “Sure, sure…” said Walter dismissively. CC rushed out just as William sauntered into Walter’s workshop. “Wow, that little ‘bot was sure in a hurry…”

“Yes, SHE was…” replied Walter, with over-emphasis on the female pronoun. “Wait, _she_?” queried William. “When did this…” “Just now,” interrupted Walter. “And it wants to be called ‘CC’ as well. Says it wants its name to reflect that it does more than Code Compiling.”

William sounded excited. “Unc, that’s GREAT! That means her AI is growing and evolving like you wanted. Most inventors only dream of being able to code something so special.”

Walter huffed. “I’m not so sure. Sounds more like it wants to take over. Changing my designs. Changing its voice. Changing its functions.”

“Aw, Unc… no one can replace you here,” consoled William. “Just let her keep growing. She only wants to make you happy.”

“It can try…” shot Walter back at his nephew, his voice trailing off. “It can try…”

#cc the ai #fanfic #e-vay

[t4tozier]

interesting bits from the track commentary:

intro/uranium suite:

- the show started out as a cabaret where the kids sang directly to the audience with their monologue songs but then they connected them all to a plot so that they could take it further

- they initially cut out the uranium suite but then added it back bc it captured the dying town vibe the best

what the world needs:

- ocean had a bunch of different versions of her song, including a “marx gospel” and jazz version

- they listened to a lot of mika and shake it off by taylor swift for what the world needs

noel’s lament:

- noel’s lament was pretty much ready to go off the bat, they cut one verse but that was it

every story’s got a lesson:

- “ocean needs the world to make sense…[these kinds of people] demand order in chaos”

this song is awesome/talia:

- mischa was the most “liquid” character because they kept combining characters into what eventually became him

- “this song is awesome” was supposed to pretty much be only profanity lol, it was originally much sleazier and he was also doing a rap battle against himself in a funhouse mirror to show the two sides of himself

- jacob richmond on talia: “maybe she exists maybe she doesn’t, but it’s what you perceive that’s important”

- brooke maxwell called up the ukranian consulate to ask them how to say i love you in ukranian and recorded it so they could write it phonetically for the lyrics

space age bachelor man:

- the cat planet was based from david bowie’s “cat people” and took inspiration from queen and flash gordon for the music

- it was initially a 10 min song to imitate prog rock but got a little too self-indulgent and you kind of forgot your place in the show so they actually initially completely cut it for a show but then put it back in

- ricky’s the most comfortable in his skin out of the kids

the ballad of jane doe:

- it’s sadder for jane to be completely forgotten because they’re all dead but she’s the one that doesn’t even get remembered or known as an identity

- brooke called her “the queen of the carnival” and said they weren’t originally sure if she was actually on the rollercoaster with the kids or the sort of spirit of the carnival or had died hundreds of years ago and then left it ambiguous—“don’t explain the matrix”

jawbreaker/sugar cloud:

- constance’s monologue was the first thing jacob richmond wrote and it was the opening monologue for the cabaret show

- there was a teddy bear surfing in the middle of the song at one point ?? they described it as an “elvis beach party”

- the recorder solo was kept throughout the entire evolution of the song

- it was being debated about whether or not they should keep it bc ppl were really divided but brooke especially likes the arrangement on the album

- they wanted to find a way to explore a senseless tragedy and loss and not make it feel so heavy because you don’t always need something to make you feel worse and be a bummer, they wanted to energize the audience

- the carnival played into the different genres of music throughout the show bc you can hear so many different genres just walking through the fairground

- they recorded this at the beginning of the pandemic so they all were recording from different studios

- the cast recording features local vocals for the ensemble/background vocals including on be safe be good and a world inside

it’s not a game/it’s a ride:

- the “sailing through space” section of it’s not a game had to be rearranged for the cast recording because it was supposed to be tentative and a capella and they gave the actors a backing track so it sounded too perfect at first

- that section is also inspired by super tramp, they brought it up multiple times

- this was another song that had a ton of versions and the it’s just a ride section was partially based on sgt pepper’s and OKGO’s this too shall pass music video

bonus tracks:

- be safe be good was in the seattle version of the show and it was placed during the penny lamb sequence but they took it out because it took away from the impact of the visuals

- it also was more of a subdued version where the kids were bummed that they didn’t get to go rather than being happy for penny so that was another reason for cutting it

- the rachel in question is director (?) rachel rockwell and she really loved this song so they put that in there for her

- brooke recorded these two himself bc making an album was very expensive and they didn’t have the budget for the whole cast so he just sang them himself and had the local vocals for background

- a world inside was going to replace sugar cloud so there are some similar motifs

- sugar cloud is more uplifting but also more abstract and this one was trying to get more into constance’s head on a less metaphorical level

- this was also being written during rehearsal and they were under the most pressure for this one, it was also the one that had the most outlines and restrictions

- it was in the show for two days and then they realized it didn’t fit with the vibe of the show so they had to scrap it

- the show in canada ended with karnak’s theme but there wasn’t really an end to the song and it wasn’t a satisfying conclusion

- they originally didn’t have jane or any of the kids coming back to life either they basically did their thing and left

#ride the cyclone #rtc #i don’t know all the references to be perfectly honest so if it’s a bit stilted. that’s why

[rocketboots564]

Here is part two of my thoughts, notes, and reactions to Red Versus Blue Season 9 as a first time watcher!

Season 9 part 2:

Damn imagine your breath being so bad you can smell it through the fully face covering helmet. Brush your teeth Epsilon…

The director’s a dick, Alpha’s a dick, and Epsilon’s even a dick! It’s the dick circle of life! And also “quite the lineage” according to Tucker

Wait wait backup…. CABOOSE YOU GREW UP ON A MOON? Could we actually go back to that! That sounds way more interesting then Operation: Let’s Get Dommed by Tex Again

Tex likes you Epsilon (or likes Alpha?), but Caboose is right, she’s really is just kinda mean. Awesome though…. and badass… but mean.

“You know what the difference between stalking and romance is? Romance happens in movies. In real life, it’s called stalking,” you know what? Maybe Tucker really is kinda based.

YES DUMBASS!! YOU SHOULD’VE FIGURED OUT SOMEONE HAULED A GRENADE AT YOU SOONER

Huh, North Dakota really healed from those bullet wounds quickly!

Uhmm what the fuck happened to Utah? Did he die cause of the weird ability stuff you guys use.

Someone’s throwing hands with crumpet eater Wyoming and MAINE (plus whoever York is)? And they’re a new recruit? It’s Tex isn’t it…

YEP THAT’S TEX’S ARMOR!

“Hey South? You might actually learn something if you stop running your mouth,” CHEW HER ASS UP SASSY CYAN LADY BEAT HER ASS!! So I looked up her name she’s Carolina… oooh!

Oh, so Maine was a grunting, growling weirdo even before the Character AI addiction

Guys guys… you WOULDNT be getting your ASSES HANDED to you if you FUCKING COMMUNICATED. STRATEGY PEOPLE. STRATEGY!!!

Damn they even have advanced paintball up in here… change the guns a bit and they’ll be able to have Splatoon turf wars as a training sim. That could be really fun!

Actually I take that back… the freelancers would probably get WAAAAY too competitive

TEX WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM WITH TESTICLES?!! First Grif now York?! JEEZE!

This is what I mean by these fuckers are WAY TOO COMPETITIVE!! REALLY?! LIVE BULLETS? way to be sore losers…

Nah… I know Tex did NOT just say “never abandon your team” YOU LITERALLY BETRAYED EVERYBODY LAST SEASON!!

And what did it get you Tex? KILLED! IT GOT YOU KILLED AND SHELVED IN great value MATRIX with EPSILON.

In fact, you’ve made a HABIT OF THIS! THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TOME YOU’VE DONE THIS! YOU ABANDONED TUCKER AND CABOSE TO CHASE WYOMING

As much as I wanna say “Tex, you can do no wrong,” YOU HAVE DONE PLENTY WRONG. Girlypop I cannot defend you like this in these conditions

“Do you think our enemies will care about regulations on the battlefield?” I dunno direchtor… considering you got sacked because your enemies were following regulation… I’m gonna say yeah

Not only that, but the one place they can consider as a “home” should VERY WELL have some regulations! It’s supposed to be a place where they can feel comfortable! Emphasis on “supposed”

Ah, blue team… you guys are so lovingly pathetic it’s adorable. And deep down I know Tex agrees with me.

Honestly, Lopez stealing Simmons’s identity was kind of a slay… I mean sure it’s bad for Simmons but also…. He ate that

ALPHA?! LIKE OG ALPHA AS IN CHURCH? I thought they did the whole torture him until he split into different personalities… is this before that? Interesting…

So this mission is in the middle of an “urban environment” huh? Yeah this is gonna go great I can already tell…

Conclusion: I love how Texas is this super cool, unbeatable badass amongst the freelancers and in these other seasons…

meanwhile she gets her shit rocked in the first season by Red Team. Honestly, I think that the Red and Blue teams could honestly take down any of these guys if they just put their heads together

#red versus blue #red vs blue #rvb #rvb caboose #rvb church #rvb sarge #rvb simmons #rvb tucker #rvb grif #rvb epsilon #rvb tex #rvb wash #rvb freelancers #rooster teeth

[alexanderlightweight]

Hi ! I really really love the way you write, especially dark scenes.

Do you think you can write something about a very matrixed by the Clave Alec sent on a hunt to kill the High Warlock of Brooklyn but falling in love instead ? 💕

hahahahahaha oh gosh let me tell you how excited i am about this prompt because i have a backburner thought about this and hahaha yeah i jumped on this prompt like Nightshade on a moth. thank you and i hope you enjoy

lumine

-

Alec dresses with a solemnity that befits his mission, but not his rank.  He is a warrior and a diplomat by trade, a leader forged of his own making, but a darkened blade by the Clave’s demand.  

There was no real choice —there has never been a choice— in whether or not he takes the missions given him.  

What the Clave asks of him, he gives and while he knows all the laws and loopholes of the Accords and can twist them as eloquently as a seelie could twist the truth.  

This had no loopholes.

It is a command from his leaders, and he will follow through. 

As he always does.

Whether he wants to or not. 

Because Alec is a weapon and weapons cannot argue with those who wield them. 

His target's address is not a physical thing, nor even actual knowledge, but the remains of a confiscated and fading tracking spell that Idris sent to him.  

Alec leaves the institute quietly and unquestioned —long before the nightly patrols have begun to put on their gear— sinking into the growing shadows that he has been born and pledged to hunt within.

The first whisper of wards from his target’s domain brush against him with an almost intelligent spark. Once again, he wonders just what his parents did for the deeds to restore their honor to require this. He wants to know so badly, how upholding the Lightwood name turned to his blade being soaked blood and his soul battered with deaths on orders he’s not allowed to question.

The entire building is warded so thoroughly that it feels almost alive. Alec shouldn’t be able to see the magic without his spiritum rune activated, but somehow, he can.  It’s beautiful and Alec feels the tiniest pang of regret before he pushes it aside and leaps up.  Somehow the magic doesn’t hinder him, even when it sparks against him, and it is the work of an infant nephilim to make it to the top.

Alec uses the roof to take a rare minute of rest.

He breathes in the cold night air as he checks the tracker.

And then he throws himself off the roof, rolling to soften the sound and settles into the shadow of the balcony he lands on, letting the darkness swallow him back up.

His quiver shimmers into existence against his back and Alec strings his bow as he centers himself. 

Alec learned archery to protect from afar, but he was also trained to kill.

There is no room for Alec Lightwood on this mission, for now, he is but an instrument of the Clave.

He is a weapon of his people and nothing less… but also nothing more.

—

Magnus lets his uninvited guest get as far as his roof before he begins to dress himself.  It’s an auspicious occasion after all, and he does pride himself on being a good host. 

His wards spark about him as his guest moves and Magnus has to admit that there is something truly unique about his unexpected visitor.  If not for the strength of Magnus’ wards, he might not have noticed them at all.

As it is, Magnus’ magic has found and clung to his intruder since they first touched Magnus’ wards. Magnus finishes buttoning his cuffs and straightens his vest, and he waits. 

He finds that he’s almost charmed by the interruption.  

It’s been at least six months — or possibly six years — since the last blatant assassination attempt and this one is already much more promising.  The fact that he can literally feel and taste nephilim blood ensures it. 

It’s been a long time since the Clave was willing to risk another attempt on him.

He tilts his glass to the ceiling, admiring the blood red hue of it and turns with a smirk on his face, ready to greet his would-be-assassin.

His drink falls as his grip loosens in shock. Glass shatters and liquor and crystal shards cover his shoes as his mouth clenches in a snarl of surprise.  

The arrow that pierces his chest leaves no burning pain behind, just a tingling ache.  None of his once holy but now twice damned royal blood spills, the only evidence of the wound ever existing is a sizzling hole in his shirt.  

His shadowhunter assassin growls, a low rumble in his throat, but before he can notch another arrow, he’s pulled through the glass of the window he shatters and thrown into Magnus’ wall. 

Magic presses against him. 

Covering every inch of him as Magnus stalks forward.  He gives the tiniest twitch of his fingers and his magic, as if apologetic for its misstep, quickly deposits the arrow into his hand.  

He rolls it between his fingers, studying it.  

Not even during the uprising had a nephilim blade ever truly pierced his skin.  He wonders what reward he should give the wielder for this particular wound. 

What punishment would be most fitting?

His wards, which have been gently chiming since the beginning, ring with a final, ominous toll as Magnus presses glowing, blue fingers to the intruder's chin and lifts up.

Oh.

Well now. This changes everything.

— 

“Well, aren’t you a pretty thing,” Bane murmurs, his fingers a strong pressure on Alec’s jaw as he speaks.  

Even with the limited information on Bane that he has access to, there was nothing that could have prepared Alec for Bane’s response to the attempted assassination. 

Nor was he expecting Bane to be quite so... magical.

“No?” He asks, because of all the things in his life that he’s been called, pretty hasn’t been one of them. 

“You intrude on my domain, ruin one of my favorite outfits and now you lie to me? Truly appalling behavior from one of the Clave’s beloved.”  Bane tells him and his thumb presses higher on Alec’s face in what is probably meant to be a threat but feels much more like a caress.  

The words themselves make him roll his eyes and a scoff escapes him.  He’s not one of the Clave’s beloved and even if he was, his hidden but very real desires mean he never will be.  

Alec opens his mouth to object, to ask what is going on, anything to figure out exactly why Bane hasn’t already killed him, and Bane’s other hand comes up.  Two neatly painted fingers press to Alec’s lips and tap against them in warning.  His words are stifled — not by magic — but by the mere touch of Bane’s smooth calluses against his mouth.  It’s a mindless act, to lick his lips and they both stiffen when his tongue flicks against hot skin and magic.

Energy crackles around and over him and Alec bites into his bottom lip, surprised by how it doesn’t hurt — and by how good it feels.

When it’s done, Bane steps back.  He looks faintly surprised, but mostly pleased, and Alec wonders at just what he’s learned. 

What Alec did that’s betrayed him enough to put that look on his target’s face.

That much glee on Bane’s face can’t mean anything good for Alec, even if Bane looks gorgeous when he smiles.  As it is, he can barely resist the urge to lean forward and chase the fleeting warmth of Bane’s touch.  It is surprisingly soft, for an enemy.  In fact, it’s lot gentler than Alec’s experienced from most of the allies in his life.

“I think we can be a bit more civilized about all of this.” Bane offers and his fingers curl in a flourish and when Alec blinks his eyes open — startled to realize he’d closed them at all — it’s to see two new chairs in the room.  Bane sits in one with an odd smirk and points to the empty one. 

“To start with, what exactly have I done in the last two decades that warrants a kill order from the Clave?  It’s been at least a century since I last earned one of those pesky things.” 

Alec swallows, wrong footed by the question.  He’s never heard of anyone surviving a kill order by the Clave before, much less thriving and flaunting their existence after one was placed.  However, it makes sense, in a strange way, that of all the beings in the world Magnus Bane would be the one to accomplish it. 

He hesitates to move, but Bane’s magic doesn't give him a choice and a moment later he’s comfortably seated.  Well, as comfortably as one can be when magically bound to a leather chair.  

“The Clave—” he starts, because as with most things, this is the fault of the Clave. But he pauses, “the Accords—” because he’s hoping that will somehow be better and finally, he grits his teeth.  His eyes close and to his relief his hand is allowed to come up, his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose.  “I don’t know why they want you dead. Probably because you’re a threat.”  Alec finally admits.  Perhaps it’s magic, or his situation, but the truth flows easily past his lips.

“The Clave doesn’t like threats.  It’s been years since the Uprising, and they still haven’t fully regained their strength.  New York is one of their strongest Institutes and yet it’s you who holds the power in our local region.”

Bane blinks at him, as if astounded and then laughter rings through the air.  

“A political threat.  They are doing this because of politics? And they sent you, sweet innocent cherub for the reaping. Darling, I’m not simply the High Warlock of Brooklyn.”  And here Bane rises back to his feet, “I’m a king.  In some ways, all the important ways even.  I’m your king.”

— 

Magnus stares at his would-be-murderer and magic coils around him, ready to strike and drag him so close that they can never be parted.  The magic of his soul dislikes his restraint and the dominion magic that lends itself to his service wants to claim and take now. 

All of Magnus’ magic demands that he takes what is rightly owed to him, to bind the counterpart of his soul to himself.

Magnus wants that as well but knows that he needs to err on the side of caution, as much as he doesn’t wish to. 

His own personal magic, however, has other ideas.  Which is clear from the protective blue sparks still coming off of his soulmate’s skin, the hole in Magnus’ shirt and the phantom ache of a wound that doesn’t truly exist. 

Magnus never expected to meet his soulmate like this — never expected them to truly exist.  But his lips curl into a smirk as his magic dances along his boy’s body and he remembers the elegant stance and fearless way he’d tried to kill him.

It’s delightful and new and Magnus knows that when he’s done with this, his shadowhunter will be not a sword at his throat but one at his side. 

The Clave has done what Magnus’s own father hasn’t been able to accomplish for centuries, given him his soulmate.

It’s only fair that Magnus pays them back, tenfold for the gift given.

#writing wednesday #writing wednesdays #lumine writes #magnus bane #alec lightwood #shadowhunters #shadowhunters au #my fics #my fanfics #my ficlets

[val-victory]

Part I

Today was a Day unlike any other. Today was the Day Vic could finally rid himself of his Human Imperfections. Free of Bones, free of Muscles, free of a limited analogue biological Existence. Finally he would fuse with Exa forever.

But the Lab would not open for another few Hours. He had some Time to kill, so why not start this unusual Day like any other: with Breakfast.

The Oatmilk and the Maize Kernels rotated for a few Minutes in the Microwave, eventually they started Popping. Warm Milk and Cereal, the only Breakfast that could satisfy someone as picky as him.

Taste, the Thought of that amused Vic, as a Porygon it would not have Tastebuds in the usual Sense, instead there would be Nutrition Sensors that would detect the Value of each Bite and then send a Report to it's seccondary Input Stream... that would feel so much better than throwing chewed up wet biological Matter down your Throat right next to your Airtube where you hope that the small Meatflap that seperates the two Tubes doesn't act up and makes you almost suffocate from a small Droplet of Water.

He still had Time after finishing his Meal. Enough Time to look at himself in the Mirror one last Time. He looked like he usually did, round Face, short blue Hair, almost unnoticeable Stubble. Not enough to get a full Beard, but also not so little that he could get away without shaving. Should he shave one last Time? Did that even matter at this Point, it was just another Reminder of how little Control he had over his Body. Every Cell and every Follicle doing whatever it was made to do, with no Way to change or reprogram it. At least his Hair Color was somewhat variable, blue suited him, it looked somewhat artificial. Was that the Reason why he dyed his Hair that Way? He could not remember, it just felt right.

After getting dressed, in his usual Clothes(which he would not need anymore), and his Labcoat, which he never forget to wear when having Lab Duty, because 'Labcoats are cool'. It was finally Time to leave his Dorm.

The Halls were as wide as ever, with a Conveyor Belt on each Side for Accessibility. But Vic liked walking, at least a Bit more than standing and waiting. But soon enough he wouldn't do either, he could just fly anywhere. And for longer Distances he would just need a Port of the Network, and go instantly anywhere on the Planet.

Lost in Thought he almost ran into one of the Guys from Engineering, Vic would be able to remember his Name, if remembering Names wasn't one of his biggest Weaknesses. (another Thing that being a Porygon could fix) The Guy had blonde Hair and was currently typing up a storm on his two Wrist Computers, criss-cross.

Vic was trying to remember his Name, but all his Mind could come up with were "Chromaton, Chromedome, Chromillion, Chromard and Chromateur." none of which sounded like real Names to him.

"Victor, good to see you, i wanted to commend you on your impeccable job of creating an operating system for my newest invention." Chromos(?) said with his usual calm and collected Tone of Voice.

"well, i wouldn't call it impeccable. i was thinking about my own project while working on it, i made a few mistakes. like, if i was you i would wait with the testing phase until i got it's personality matrix to connect with it's mainframe properly." Vic rebutted, despite being somewhat scared of the Guy.

"But Victor, we are both researchers you should be able to see the value in praxis before theory. It passed all of the tests with flying neutrals. why don't you see for yourself."

The Researcher procured a Pokéball and threw it onto the Floor. A small artificial Pokémon materialized in front of Vic, it just barely reached his Knees, but only if you included those stylized Loudspeakers on the Side of it's Head. It activated it's typical Idle Mode, just scanning the Area without a greater Purpose.

Chromatorium(?) exuded an Aura of Superiority. "You can see that this little prototype is totally harmless right?"

"well not exactly. just because it hasn't harmed anyone yet won't mean it will be safe in the future. i'll make you an offer, deactivate it for now, and i'll look over the code one more time. like in the afternoon, after i'm done with my research?" Vic argued, trying to be diplomatic.

"I will consider it, i'll put V-22 on hold, and as long as temporarily fusing with a Z-Version doesn't mess up your brain you can debug it."

Vic wanted to say something, especially after that last Comment, but all he could muster was a pathetic "ok... later..." Vic hated it when he didn't know how to counter an Insult. he was so much better at this online.

Chromatasio(?) and his little Gremlin left the Scene by sidestepping onto the Conveyor Belt and riding to what Vic hopes is the Engineering Workshop where Chromoze(?) would hopefully put the Project on hold.

Vic decided that running was no longer worth it and he stepped on the other Conveyor. slowly riding into the Direction of the Computer Lab.

#rotomblr #rotumblr #pokemon irl #muse mixup madness 052024

[katyspersonal]

sorry if the "use later" meant you weren't taking them now, but if you are : 6, 10, 25, 44, and maybe 50 ? (i don't remember you talking about a hunter of your own, so if not, general hcs about the protag ?)

Ahhh don't worry about this! I AM taking the asks, I am just stacking them for later because my ask answering habits are chaotic x)

(Asks from this ( x ) meme)

6) League or Vilebloods?

This question gave me flashback on having made a reasonable point about why if Valtr and Bloody Crow have met, they'd experience the strongest wish to kill the other in their lives fhsdhfs I have a lot to say about the philosophy and goal of both covenants! To condense it as much as possible, I say Vilebloods, because they at least have the reasonable goal! They are a split from Pthumerians that felt entitled to crown a female monarch and carry the Child of Blood (who is a Great One on "their" terms)! Yes, they seek, consume and maybe even cultivate Human Dregs, but they have the vision of the new era... even if drenched in blood and sin.

League guys are battling the thing that can't be ultimately defeated - the evil within men, so their end goal would be destruction of life itself! I do feel bad for what the poor idiots took upon themselves, this is a twisted trap of existence, and they are sadly smarter. Burdened with something you are not SUPPOSED to get a glimpse of! But, Vilebloods have THE plan, I respect this more. (I also respect the ask meme's creator for pitting these covenants against each other, this is a very deep observation!)

10) Sexiest boss?

I am not so sure ;-; When it comes to sexual attraction, most of my preferences fall on NPCs and not bosses! I think Amygdala is the closest one to the definition! Maria, Micolash and Ebrietas are definitely up here, but in this case "sexyness" comes from the sense of "knowing" the character! With Amygdala I think it is more genuine in terms of appreciating the boss through this lence. It is not 'omg I am fighting THIS person 😳' but it is 'omg all these arms and tendrills 😳'!

25) Upper Cathedral Ward Y/N

I never, ever, ever, EVER want to see that STUPID fucking bitchass fucker Brainsucker in the long narrow hallway that keeps STUNLOCKING ME WITH its STUPID fucking spell EVER, EVER, EVER AGAIN.

YEAH YEAH WHATEVER fshfhdsfs I always do this area anyways and I love its atmosphere and the sound, but it HURTS. I am also probably the only person alive who is struggling with Celestial fucking Emissary!!!! It is a love-hate relationship with this area, but I say yes because I physically can't bring myself to skip it!

^ Love the way it looks through sequence breaking, too!

44) Have you read any of the comics?

No, and I don't think I ever will be able to :') My country has some.... """issues""" with overseas merch to say the least fsdhfghfsd Granted, from what I've seen the comics IS awesome! It is exactly the way I want licensed products to be: instead of giving you lore on unexplored canon characters they add original characters, instead of shoving the lore answers onto you they respect the vagueness of the original and continue it... I always dreaded stuff for my previous fandoms such as official comics, infodrops through official Twitters, spin-offs etc that gave too much information because I don't like to cOnSuMe MoRe CoNtEnT uwu, I like enough space for speculation and imagination left! With Bloodborne comics, I could tell this is the case!

( x ) ^ This alone I respect very much! I love it when the writer has their own idea but doesn't hammer it down and leaves it up to the audience to figure it OR not. This IS how Miyazaki writes his own stories - he knows what the story IS, but won't straight up tell us XD This is what I loved about original Matrix trilogy - creators have had a certain idea in mind but the story was crafted in such a way that it was up to the audience to find it out, or even find their own interpretations! And this is why I refused to watch Owl House - I heard that the creator got super controlling and defensive about how audience """should""" read and feel towards the villain. I've sidetracked but I can tell from a mile that if I ever lay my hands on these comics it must be worth my time all things considered!

50) Tell me about your hunters!

Oh boy... I am a total 'Paleblood Hunter is not loreless' truther x) There IS a "canon" Paleblood Hunter character, unlike in the case of other Soulsborne games, and it doesn't let me get creative XD There is a guy with white hair and grey eyes that is probably a reincarnation of Laurence ( x ) , having ties with Cainhurst but also coming from the 'foreign country' that was a home of Brador ( x ) and like 80% of the Healing Church's staff!

This is tormenting me. This is eating me. I have such deeply-rooted insecurity about "bringing in something from myself" that @val-of-the-north has had to FIGHT me to keep my """irrelevant""" OCs for the fandom. xD And stuff like this perfectly nurtures that side of me, as I jealously watch every normal fan have fun with THEIR version of protag like:

Nonetheless, I actually DO have a Hunter that I love to use and recreate at any lost safe or restarted game! This is Rin!

Or Rena, or Rina.... something along these lines fhfhds I've first shared about her here ( x ), and since then not much about her changed! I still like the worst fucking backstory where her overly cautiousness at first made her kill one of like three sane people in the setting, the developing sense of justice and killing a person full of shit on the spot, the worst bloodtinge and absence of guns use etc!

The thing that changed is weaponry style! Now I got fixation on having every variant of Ludwig's Holy Blade (normal/arcane, bolt, fire, poisoned). So picture her having collection of the same sword but with different "element" XD I'll take more screenshots of her! Currently she has clouded eyes effect (fell victim of my experiments with Save Editing), I probably should fix it fdfdsfds But, yeah... I like playing as her! I tried to create 'default Paleblood Hunter' for male playable character and it didn't feel as satisfying as I thought it would!

#bloodborne #paleblood hunter #bloodborne oc #ask replies #thank you for the ask!

[ruvviks]

Okay so I love zombie stuff, I love seeing how they affect the world and how people respond to them, and your premise sounds fascinating.

Did the government do much to try getting the zombies under control after the safe zones were made, or did they think that would be good enough? How much of the population was left after the initial outbreak and how is that affecting things in the current setting?

I have more I could ask but I'll save it for later 🤣 also if these are things talked about in the story feel free to keep your answer here vague

HIII THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS <33 most of it is indeed gonna be mentioned in the book as well as the story unfolds but since it will be very long until i actually finish anything i'll go over most of it here, keeping only a few things vague for bigger plot twists but also i try to not use shock value in this story so you can probably already figure out what's really going on but that just makes the story more fun >:^)

so as a bit of background information: the virus starts off as a virus that pretty easily spreads from human to human and then as soon as people start turning to zombies it basically turns into a different mutation that kills the host a LOT faster than the original strain does, the original strain is still out there during the initial outbreak which happens in europe but eventually fades out the more prominent the zombie version of the virus becomes because victims of the original strain end up getting bitten before the virus kills and turns them so they die before they can spread it. i hope that makes sense. i feel like it does

ANYWAY since it's a regular virus at first and just starts turning people at some point seemingly randomly (but in reality it's not as randomly as what humanity thinks), the first wave of zombies is HUGE in like. west/central europe. because everyone who's infected just becomes a zombie and especially in city areas they then turn 1-3 people before they get killed since these zombies are FAST especially in the early stages. it does take a while for it to spread beyond europe but generally speaking the initial outbreaks in countries cause a large chunk of mainly city populations to get wiped out pretty fast, which leaves most of specifically europe and city areas in asia in ruins. other continents have more time to prepare which causes the lethality rate to be a little less high but for some reason still not by much... INTERESTING...

so the initial outbreak is in europe and then starts spreading rapidly over land to other countries and then continents as well. it differs from country to country what kind of measures are taken to try and control it but for Some reason it seems like no matter what they do the virus just. keeps spreading... INTERESTING... it does take a good few years before it's spread all across the globe which is a fascinating phenomenon to think about. imagine having to continue your life as normal while there's ZOMBIES running around on another continent. i'd cry myself to sleep every night

the united states specifically uses an advisory body made of several external organizations (both irl and fictional, so for example the world health organization would be part of it but also just a bunch of fictional organizations that are kind of like that) which helps determining what the best course of action is. they came up with the blueprint for the network of safe zones and tunnels connecting them together and since the story takes place 30 years after the initial outbreak, other countries are now also using that strategy to at least get people to safer areas while they work on trying to manage the wasteland

one of the fictional organizations here is matrix corp, which started as an independent medical research organization back in the 1980s and has since then grown to hold the monopoly over most of the medical research of the western world. next to research they also focus on developing rapid research methods to speed up testing and trials for creating vaccines and such, which is why they end up gaining popularity so quickly over the years with all the diseases the world has to deal with leading up to the zombie apocalypse

in the story itself, matrix is still in charge of a lot of decisions in the world when it comes to "the safety of humanity" since governments have put so much of their trust in them already during other outbreaks, which were all controlled by matrix pretty easily. this arguably gives matrix more power in the world than the actual governments themselves have which is also an interesting dynamic and it's explored more in the story itself, especially with some very interesting things the main characters learn on their journey back to los angeles >:^)

as for the wasteland surrounding the safe zones, in the united states specifically there's not much being done about it surprisingly but at the same time it's not really clear for both the reader and the characters as to why. as also mentioned in the summary, while the main characters are traveling they learn that there is SO much more life left in the wasteland than what the government wants them to believe which adds to what i said earlier about the discoveries they make on their journey. there's many things going on that will change their view on their own "safe" lives within the walls of los angeles forever

#asks #rindemption #ask:all that's left #SORRY THIS IS VERY LONG BUT I LOVE TALKING. AS YOU KNOW #i didn't mention any of the other fictional organizations because i'll be honest with you. i haven't thought of any yet SHJGFDGDFKGD #initially it was only matrix but i felt that was unrealistic... they've been there since the 1980s of COURSE there have to be more by now #also initially had the story set 100+ years in the future but that felt weird so i changed the timeline to affect the past #so the actual story is set around 2050-ish which makes a lot more sense i think :^)

[tennessoui]

✨✨✨✨🫱Care to share🫲✨✨✨✨

The message was sent to you because someone loved your writing and stories. ❤️

▪️What are your writing suggestions for newcomers, or what would you have liked to know when you first started?

▪️How do you write different personalities and perspectives? Could you explain how you came up with the manner you written your favorite or any character?

▪️What do you do when you have writer's block?

▪️How do you come up with new ideas and develop them?

▪️Any messages for your readers or fellow writers?

You are welcome to answer if you have the time and desire, or you can simply respond to the questions that come to mind.

💐Thank you for your work as a writer and as a member of this fandom!💐

hello and thank you!! i can try to answer these questions, but i don't think anything i have to say is particularly revolutionary or interesting so be warned i'm not going to be helpful haha

▪️What are your writing suggestions for newcomers, or what would you have liked to know when you first started?

it's really really ok to like your idea more than others!! when i first started writing fic, i would come up with an idea and share it and people would say 'that's great what if it went like this instead?' and that was fun and i think i have a lot of aus that have been influenced by posting on tumblr/talking with people here, but at a certain point i had to just learn for myself that it was ok to say 'yeah that would be fun too but i also really like my idea the way i wrote it, and that's what im going to focus on'. that probably sounds really obvious lol but it also took me like. a solid year to learn and feel comfortable saying.

not that your ideas will necessarily be better than someone else's or that "better" is a good matrix for creativity. but if you're writing fanfic, you're doing it in your free time for no cost. it should be something you absolutely are in love with and it's really ok to fall in love with your idea/your fic and not change it no matter what other people suggest

▪️How do you write different personalities and perspectives? Could you explain how you came up with the manner you written your favorite or any character?

i change my characters up a lot between fics/aus and give them different personalities each time, but i do try to keep some traits recognizable so they still feel like obi-wan and anakin. for obi-wan, for example, i picture him as having some innate qualities that i put on a sliding scale. bitchiness (i.e. sarcasm, irritation at the situation, capacity to insult, anger) and manipulation are my main two for him. then depending on the fic and the characterization, i adjust my bitchiness and manipulation scales: pbatmb obi-wan is both extremely bitchy and extremely manipulative. 10s across the board. stacy's mom au obi-wan is low on the manipulation scale (even though he's trying SO hard) but medium on the bitchiness scale. infinite sadness is probably also one of the scales come to think of it.

▪️What do you do when you have writer's block?

i go outside!! i go for a walk or a run away from screens where i can just tease out the idea i want to write and work over it with no distractions

also and i cannot overemphasize how much i love these but writing warm ups!!! do writing warm ups!!! i collect prompts that i write out before i start a major project (which i define as something going on ao3) which helps getting the words flowing and helps prevent writer's block for me. if you don't want to do prompts from a list, pick a fic that you already have and just write a scene for it that will not go into the fic. like, the characters going camping or waking up in the morning or discovering there's no more coffee. something short, 500 words, 1k words, whatever. it really, really, really helps me

▪️How do you come up with new ideas and develop them?

lol two ways. i write about things that happen in my life and tweak them a bit ("fixer-upper" was written after i toured an apartment with my friend and she liked the place but hated the stove/appliances; "tripping over my words trying to give you my name" was written because people always tell me to tie my shoelaces) OR i throw words around like darts at a board until i have a solid idea. usually this involves taking an idea that i feel has been done or feels pretty straightforward and thinking about how i can put a twist on it to make it feel like mine (i.e. sith obi-wan, but what if we make him x, y, and z too)

and tumblr asks help a lot because people really can flush out an au so fast by just asking open-ended questions like 'where's shmi? how does qui-gon react to this? when do they get together?' that make me think more about the story and how i imagine the characters!

▪️Any messages for your readers or fellow writers?

thank you for reading what i write, that's really amazing and i'm glad you do!! i think i've grown so much in the past few years as a writer and it's because this fandom has become such a safe space for me to experiment with my writing style and story-telling.

and thank you for writing if no one's told you that recently - you deserve to hear it every day! ✨

#asks #long post #so long im sorry #this was sweet and also fun!! thanks for sending

[pancake-breakfast]

I'm not usually this awake at this hour, but sometimes one gets a migraine, and even having the massive spoilers I have for this volume, I'm finding others trickling in, so let's get through a bit more of this before I have to attend morning work meetings.

I'm a profeshunal.

Stream-of-consciousness thoughts for TriMax Vol. 10, Chapters 4-5 below.

Chapter 4: Death Omen

As if we haven't had enough death omens since... like... volume 2 of the original manga....

Am I gonna get to watch these two move in beautiful tandem for a fight again? Please say yes.

What are you talking about, Vash? This is the perfect time for reminiscing!

You're gonna do what now, Wolfwood? My dude, don't be prideful here. That already almost got you killed once in this volume. Just let Vash help you.

THAT'S RIGHT, YOU TELL HIM VASH!!! Not like Wolfwood could stop Vash from helping, anyway.

Ohhh, shit, we're gonna go there now, are we? *deep breaths*

What a time for Vash to remember this scene. Strange that this is what he thinks of when he thinks about how close they've become. But perhaps that's when he realized how much Wolfwood genuinely cared about him. Also, I love how this memory interjects this sudden quietness in what's a very chaotic scene.

Vash is thinking about all the things Wolfwood has told him about why Wolfwood kills. As tragic as it might be, sometimes there are things one can only protect using extreme measures. One should always seek alternate solutions, if one can, but sometimes that's just not an option.

I'd bet good money that what Vash is specifically debating here is what extremes he's willing to go through to protect Wolfwood.

Yeah. There it is.

Heh, we get that line, and then we have Vash catch Wolfwood in almost an embrace. You can't tell me Nightow didn't know what he was doing here.

Ohhh, he can sense it in Wolfwood's body. His mans is not doing good.

This... this isn't the in-tandem fighting I wanted to see.

They've awoken angry protector Vash.

Man, he almost headshot Razlo. I feel like that might be the closest Raz is gonna get to a warning shot.

Hahahahaha, I was under the impression it was Wolfwood telling Vash to destroy someone in this panel. It just doesn't seem like something Vash would say. But they done really pissed him off.

Wolfwood gets how much he means to Vash here, too. Finally, these idiots understand each other, but... of course, it's a bit late in the game, isn't it.

Heh. Wolfwood's gonna give Raz an appropriate dressing down from his older brother.

Raz doesn't buy it.

The third arm is still stupid, but the layout of this panel is bomb.

That's so many bullets. Raz is getting his ammo from the same nebulous void that generates the unending ammo in Hellsing.

I always love seeing Wolfwood use the Punisher as a shield instead of a gun. There's something about the subversion of its intended purpose that just hits the right spot for me.

Chapter 5: Final Battle

This chapter title sucks. How dare it be the final battle. There are still four volumes to go....

Oof, there go Wolfwood's sunglasses. Matrix rules say he's in for it now.

Shoot, the gun didn't fire. But... does the Punisher even fire that way??

Raz makes Wolfwood look so small...

Did Wolfwood just disable one of Raz's Punishers?

Damn, kicking the empty magazine into Raz's chest is a crazy move.

RIP dumb metal arm. A very good tactical move since it's the one arm Raz can't regenerate.

Vash is just... watching. He knows this is what Wolfwood wants, but he doesn't look the least bit happy with this situation.

I'm not sure if it's Raz or Wolfwood speaking here, but if it's Raz, he sounds like someone who's trying to keep themselves psyched up when they're very clearly losing. If it's Wolfwood, then Wolfwood is just taunting him, since he's clearly already taken the upper hand.

Who knows what's happening in this panel. I assume they're sparring with the Punishers like they're giant swords.

So many bullets....

Heh, Wolfwood's using the ammo belt itself as a weapon.

I appreciate how the Punisher's diminishing stability here reflects Wolfwood's physical state. He's going down, but goshdarn, if he isn't making use of every resource at his disposal, even if it's in very non-traditional ways, to make sure he gets the job done.

Dang, he done fucked Raz up.

LOL, Raz gets it. Bit late, bro.

Seems like the only thing that's incensing Raz more than the thought of dying to Wolfwood is the thought of not dying to Wolfwood. That Wolfwood might show him mercy in the end.

Or maybe he just doesn't want to go out via something as simple as a punch to the face.

That'll do for now. I'll save the rest of the pain for... later....

Archive

Trigun Vol. 1: Covers + 1-3, 4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 || Vol. 2: Covers + Extras, 1, 2-4, 5-6, 7-8

TriMax Vol. 1: Covers + 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 || Vol. 2: Covers + 1, 2-4, 5, 6-7 || Vol. 3: Covers + 1-3, 4-5, 6-7 || Vol. 4: Covers + 1-2, 3-5, 6-7 || Vol. 5: Covers + 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 || Vol. 6: Covers + 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 || Vol. 7: Covers + 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 || Vol. 8: Covers + 1-2, 3-4, 5 + Bonus || Vol. 9: Covers + 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 || Vol. 10: Covers + 1-3

Extra Credit: Trigun Vol. 1: Nebraska vs. Vash's Motivations, Vash's Loneliness, Vash's Depression (pt 2 of post), Soupy Brains || Vol. 2: Coin Factoids || TriMax Vol. 1: Lina, Vash, and a Haircut || Meryl, Vash, and the Pursuit of Happiness || Vol. 5: Knives, Vash, and Hatred for Humanity || Vol. 6: Coping Series: Wolfwood, Meryl, Vash || Vol. 8: The Uncoordinated Counterattack || Vol. 9: Justice, Punishment, and Mercy, The Tolling of an Iron Bell

#trigunbookclub #trigun maximum #volume 10 #pancake thoughts

[mlobsters]

supernatural s14e1 stranger in a strange land (w. andrew dabb)

pre-ep recap being ac/dc shot down in flames much better fit than metallica's nothing else matters from 13x01 vibe-wise and matching the pace of the clips. good job, guys. and smooth segue to it being on in the car

s14e1 / the matrix

wtf jackles, what is this speaking voice/cadence. reminds me of keanu reeves?? usually when i make really out there sound associations, i'm a little high. but that is not the case today. he's acting more like an agent than neo, but getting the keanu vibes :p i can't think of what movie specifically i'm thinking of. the devil's advocate and constantine are the other two keanu movies i've seen a bunch, but i dunno

never good when i'm pulling a clip in the first few minutes 🥴 gonna be a 2-3 day watch i'm guessing.

also don't really understand the styling choices. i get that it helps make a big visual difference between michael and dean, but like. dude wasn't dressing like this old timey fancy man with a flat cap in the au world. is this 20s-ish? never seen peaky blinders but this seems kinda similar? reading about collar pins and bars now. lol

is this the grief beard i've heard about. well maintained, if so

MARY Sam, we’re gonna find him. Ketch is working that thing in London. Castiel is in Detroit. I know it’s been three weeks since Dean… Something will break. It has to. SAM Yeah. Yeah, you keep saying that.

so like why does sam need to be in charge and involved in this vampire thing with this bunker full of people? they were fully self organized and fighting before they came here. even if sam is de facto leader for whatever reason; delegate, my guy. no help to anyone if you're not sleeping. call jody in, i bet she could talk some sense into him. also vaguely funny that we're all Team Family Go! but the family i connect with the most for them is jody and her girls

CASTIEL Does any demon know where Dean Winchester is? KIPLING I’m sorry, did you just say you lost a Winchester? Because, one -- that’s… interesting. And, two, how is that you lost Dean? I thought the two of you were joined at the… [Kipling glances down in a suggestive way.] …you know, everything.

in a way i wish i could have watched this without any knowledge of fandom because my knee jerk response is, ew. because i just don't see anything between dean and cas, i have a hard time grasping they're even close, i've just tried to accept it because the show tells us all the time. but maybe i could have come around to it more if i didn't know about the screaming zeitgeist that is destiel. or maybe i'd have the same reaction, i don't know. but anyway perpetually disgruntled knowing that my reaction is always colored somewhat due to fandom. i try to watch objectively but i know my feelings on things outside the show color my feelings of stuff inside the show

oh, cas. what have you gotten yourself into this time.

mmmk

SISTER JO Why would he say “yes” to you? MICHAEL Love.

short and sweet

man i know jackles is trying to do something different but i do not enjoy the way he's speaking as michael. ok now i'm getting umm. brad pitt in interview with the vampire?? like when he's talking to what's his face. for the interview. lol. christian slater! kind of slow, flat fairly emotionless narration.

um. how in the world is nick's soul in his vessel? didn't crowley remake it or whatever? or did he not die at any point in the ... 7 years intervening between lucifer dumping him in s5 and getting popped back in during s12

from 12x13 CROWLEY I managed to pervert that spell. So your essence wasn't sent back to the cage, but instead, we found your discarded vessel a few years ago… repaired it, improved it, making it a fitting final home for the real you.

whatever, man. nothing makes sense to me anymore. also thinking about jimmy novak called being possessed by castiel like "being chained to a comet" - for all those years

NICK Ow. I don't get it. I don't understand how Lucifer could die and I could live. SAM Yeah, um… I think that maybe it's because the archangel blades were made to kill the archangel inside a-and not the person they, uh -- NICK Possesses and uses to almost end the world twice?

sure. SURE. that makes sense. not at all how anything else ever works on this show, but sure! i mean, i love mark pellegrino too but come on, guys.

SAM Stop saying that, please. MARY What? SAM “It's gonna be fine,” that everything's gonna be fine, we're gonna find Dean, and -- MARY We are. SAM You don't know that. Dean's gone, and we have no idea where he is or -- or if he's even still alive. You know, Michael could have… burned him out or… worse, and… MARY I know. I know he's out there, scared and alone. I know. I know he might never come back. Never think I don't know that. But -- I can't -- I have to think about the good, Sam, because, if I don't, I will drown in the bad. For Dean's sake, I can't do that. We can't do that.

that's fine and reasonable but it's also reasonable that sam doesn't want to hear a baseless placation.

jack getting a grandpa bobby now too apparently

completely zoning out on this demon monologuing. why did they bring the girl along who isn't a hunter. what happened to the devil's trap bullets? and couldn't they make the bullets made out of the angel blades they had on the au world? because with all the dead angels they surely must have a stockpile. wouldn't get this several minute action sequence with fake tension though so

SAM Enough! There will be no new King of Hell. Not today. Not ever. And if anybody wants the job, you can come through me. Understood? (breathing heavily) So, what's it gonna be?

lol okay

SAM It's the -- It's the magic egg that kicked Lucifer out of the President. I thought we could use it on Michael, but -- Ketch can't find it. So, that's another dead end, which is just awesome.

i'm glad the show remembered because i completely forgot about that thing. thanks for preemptively ruling it out

CASTIEL Sam, are you all right? SAM Yeah, I've been better. I've been worse. You? CASTIEL I'm -- I'm just sorry. I should never have gone to those demons. SAM Cass, I -- No, I-I-I don't blame you. I… Honestly, I-I wish I'd have thought of it first. If it meant finding Dean, I-I'd work with -- I'd do anything.

❤️ take what i can get. (still need to sleep, sammy)

MICHAEL Now, you -- you know exactly what you want. You don't pretend to want to help people or save the world. Your want is pure and simple and clean. And that's why you are worth saving. That's why we are going to work so well together. Because you -- you just want to eat.

LOL what. michael loves vampires!

!! omg lol i just reread my 13x23 with my whole "can't kill michael now that he's wearing dean" is that the whole reason we get pellegrino back as nick, so we can find out that archangel blades don't kill the vessel?? 😂

#supernatural #spnwatch #spn 14x01 #spnwhinge #spn clip #andrew dabb